Your gallbladder is a small organ that is located beneath your liver. It plays an important role in your digestive process. The gallbladder stores and releases bile, a digestive fluid made by the liver, which helps break down fats. However, when something is wrong with this organ, it can start causing pain and discomfort.
Oftentimes, people who experience gallbladder pain mistake it for common stomach issues. Ignoring persistent gallbladder pain can allow underlying problems, such as gallstones or infection, to worsen and eventually require gallbladder removal.
By understanding what gallbladder pain feels like, you can seek early medical care. In this blog, we learn the common causes behind the pain and what it feels like. So, let’s begin!
What Is a Gallbladder?
The gallbladder is a small organ that is located on the right side of your abdomen, beneath your liver. The main purpose of this organ is to store and concentrate the digestive fluid produced by the liver. Bile helps digest fats and makes it easier for your body to digest and absorb the fat-soluble nutrients.
When you eat, the gallbladder releases the fluid into your small intestine through the bile duct. If bile cannot flow properly or becomes too concentrated, it may crystallize into gallstones within the gallbladder. These stones can cause inflammation and put pressure inside your gallbladder, leading to pain and discomfort. Understanding the functions of your gallbladder might help you learn why the pain occurs, so that you can seek timely treatment.
What Does Gallbladder Pain Feel Like?
Gallbladder pain often presents as a steady, aching pain in the upper right or middle abdomen, and can intensify after eating fatty foods. The pain may range from mild discomfort to severe, intense pain that can make movement difficult.
Many people describe the pain as a sharp pain that radiates to the back or between the shoulder blades. Moreover, the pain might last for hours. Also, you may experience nausea, gas, or bloating.
In biliary colic, pain often comes in waves, while inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis) causes persistent pain. If the pain is severe or accompanied by jaundice, it may indicate serious gallbladder conditions like infection or inflammation, which require immediate medical care.
Common Causes of Gallbladder Pain
Here are some of the most common causes that can trigger gallbladder pain:
Gallstones
Gallstones are the most common cause of pain. These stones are usually hardened deposits of cholesterol that form inside your gallbladder. They can block the bile duct, increasing the pressure inside your gallbladder.
Gallbladder Inflammation
Inflammation occurs when an infection or gallstones cause your gallbladder to swell. This type of pain is severe and often accompanied by fever, nausea, or tenderness in your upper right abdomen.
Biliary Colic
The temporary blockage of the bile duct can lead to intense cramping that comes and goes. Usually, this appears after eating fatty meals, and the pain may last for hours.
Infection
If bile flow is obstructed for a prolonged period, bacteria can multiply and cause infection. This condition might cause fever, chills, and constant pain.
Final Thoughts
Gallbladder pain is usually a sign of gallbladder or biliary tract disease, rather than a general digestive issue. While the pain may start as mild, it can quickly become severe. It is important to recognize the location and timing of your pain, this will help you identify whether your pain is related to your gallbladder.
If you experience persistent or severe pain in your gallbladder, you can contact Nova Bariatrics & General Surgery. Our experts can diagnose and treat gallbladder conditions early, helping prevent complications and preserving gallbladder health.
