Gallbladder Pain

Gallbladder pain, also known as biliary colic, is a type of abdominal pain caused by problems with the gallbladder, a small organ located under the liver that stores bile to aid in digestion.

Causes of Gallbladder Pain

• Gallstones: Small, hard deposits that can block the flow of bile from the gallbladder, causing pain and inflammation.
• Gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis): Infection or irritation of the gallbladder, which can be caused by gallstones, bacteria, or other factors.
• Biliary dyskinesia: A condition in which the gallbladder does not function properly, leading to pain and discomfort.
• Gallbladder cancer: A rare type of cancer that can cause pain and other symptoms.

Symptoms of Gallbladder Pain

• Severe, sharp, or cramping pain in the upper right abdomen, which may radiate to the back or right shoulder.
• Pain that worsens after eating fatty or greasy foods.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Fever and chills (if an infection is present).
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) in severe cases.

Diagnosis of Gallbladder Pain

Diagnosis typically involves a combination of physical examination, medical history, laboratory tests, and imaging studies, including:

• Ultrasound: To visualize the gallbladder and detect gallstones or other abnormalities.
• Computed Tomography (CT) scan: To provide detailed images of the gallbladder and surrounding tissues.
• Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography (MRCP): To visualize the bile ducts and pancreas.
• Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP): To diagnose and treat problems with the bile ducts.

Treatment of Gallbladder Pain

Treatment depends on the underlying cause of the pain, but may include:

• Surgical removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy) to treat gallstones or other conditions.
• Medications to manage pain and inflammation.
• Antibiotics to treat infections.
• Lifestyle changes, such as avoiding fatty foods and maintaining a healthy weight.

Complications of Gallbladder Pain

If left untreated, gallbladder pain can lead to complications, including:

• Gangrene or perforation of the gallbladder.
• Infection of the bile ducts (cholangitis).
• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas).
• Sepsis (a life-threatening infection that spreads to the bloodstream).