Gallbladder pain may be mild or severe. The pain is often due to gallstones. They are medium to large stones ( 2 cm long ) which obstruct the flow of bile and other fluids through the bile. Over time, more such stones may form and block the cystic duct ( the passage that joins gallbladder to the common bile duct ). When the intestine cannot receive adequate bile, digestion is adversely affected. Fat molecules are not broken up properly and nutrition is also affected. In severe blockage cases, gallbladder may initiate an attack like state with deep and sharp pain radiating throughout the belly. However, intense pain is usually located in a small region.
Gallbladder pain location : Gallbladder pain is mostly concentrated to a small region under the right side ribs. This pain may also be felt in the middle back between the shoulder blades. The pain intensifies each minute and then starts the colic. It is a medical emergency because gallbladder pain is mostly unbearable. One should call for help ( call an ambulance ) and rush to the hospital.
Gallbladder pain symptoms : Such a severe attack may be sudden, but there may be other symptoms and signs prior to pain. These signs of gallbladder stone or disease are :
- Poor digestion, bloating and constipation which indicate that digestion may not be well.
- Lack of energy and feeling fatigued all day, probably due to low absorption of nutrients from food.
- Yellowish tinge to skin and white of eyes because of high concentration of bile in blood.
- There may be recurring fever with chills as well.
- One may also have diarrhea or vomiting.
Gallbladder Pain Relief methods : What can be done to subside the pain of a gallbladder disease.
- Drink ample amount of water. This may reduce the severity of pain while you visit the hospital.
- Some people experience relief by lying to their side and experimenting with lying positions.
- Placing a heating pad right at the location of pain may help. But, if it does not lessen the pain, do not use it.
- Visit a doctor and get a checkup. The doctor may refer for imaging tests like ultrasound which reveal the size of gallbladder stones, if any. If there are polyps (cells which may become cancerous ), they can also be seen. So,such an exam can reveal a lot about the status of gallbladder.