The gallbladder, a relatively small hollow organ, is located to the right of the abdomen and beneath the liver. The organ measures approximately 4 centimeters in diameter when fully dilated. The gallbladder’s purpose is to aid in digestion as well as to store bile, which acts in the small intestine to digest lipids or fats.
When the level of cholesterol is elevated within the body, it gets siphoned off into the gallbladder and form deposits known as gallbladder stones or gallstones. These deposits can result in pain experienced in that organ. At times, it can even result in disease of the gallbladder. In addition, pain of the gallbladder can be attributed to gallbladder dysfunction. The following sections discuss the types of gallbladder pain as well as their symptoms and treatments.

Symptoms of Gallbladder Pain

It is not uncommon for gallbladder symptoms to be mistaken for symptoms of other disorders and diseases of the digestive track. The primary symptom of pain which is most often experienced in the gallbladder is constipation, which can also be caused by a whole host of other digestive issues. If the gallbladder is the cause of the abdominal pain, it will be located at the site where the organ is located, on the right hand side. Although this is the most common location for gallbladder pain, it has also been known to occur between the shoulder blades as well. When experiencing these gallbladder symptoms, individuals usually experience difficulty in digesting foods which contain large amounts of fat. The subsequent feces also tend to appear light in color and chalky. Additional symptoms which can be experienced are nausea, diarrhea, a feeling of fullness, headaches which occur primarily at night, painful gas, burping, belching, as well as painful gas. Fever has also been documented in some cases.

Relief of Gallbladder Pain

A highly recommended way through which one can relieve gallbladder pain is by monitoring one’s diet. In particular, it is important to reduce the intake of cholesterol and fat which is consumed. The risk of gallstones can also be reduced through undergoing a gallbladder cleansing diet. These cleansing diets typically consist of consumption of appropriate fruit juices such as lemon, apple, and pear. Pain in the gallbladder can also be treated and prevented by increasing consumption of soup as well as monosaturated fats. These fats can be found primarily in sources such as canola oil, fish oil, olive oil, and flaxseed. Drugs which can be taken to improve symptoms are anti-inflammatory medications and painkillers. Simple natural remedies such as hot compresses have also been shown to be effective. If the gallbladder stones needs to be removed, it is necessary for the individual to be aware of the diet which is required following the surgery.

Pain Following Surgical Removal of Gallbladder Stones

Many patients experience pain after the removal of gallbladder stones. One cause of pain is post-cholecystectomy syndrome which leads to continued pain in the location of the gallbladder, to the right of the abdomen. It is also possible for there to be issues in the ducts which transport bile following the surgery. Gallbladder stones can also be found in other areas of the bile duct area which can lead to pain in these locations. Pain located to the right of the abdomen, although typically a symptom of gallbladder stones, can also indicate the presence of other digestive disorders. These include peptic ulcer disease, irritable bowel syndrome or IBS, as well as various other conditions. These are not always connected to the occurrence of the stones.

Pain in the Gallbladder Experienced During Pregnancy

Pains experienced during pregnancy are not uncommon. Therefore it is necessary for these pains to be monitored in order to determine whether these pains are caused by disorders of the gallbladder. Gallbladder stones can cause problems, not only for the woman while she is pregnant, but also after the baby is born. Following the birth of the child, intense pain to the right of abdomen as well as discomfort in the intestines may also be caused by the presence of gallbladder stones. When there is a blockage in the gallbladder ducts due to the formation of these stones, pain is inevitable. The stones will, of course, be able to be removed but this can typically not be done until after the baby’s birth. However, if the pain becomes completely unbearable, it is possible for the surgery to be performed while the woman is still pregnant.

Pain in the Gallbladder Without the Presence of Stones

Although not as common, it is possible for pain to be experienced in the right abdominal area without gallbladder stones being present. In these cases, it is often caused by a disorder called acalculous biliary pain which occurs as a result of the blocking and, therefore, decreased functioning of the gallbladder organ. If this is the suspected cause, additional tests may need to be performed. This test typically consists of dye being inserted into the gallbladder so that scans can be used to visualize the area. After this is done, a hormone is used to aid in the contraction of the gallbladder. Once the gallbladder is completely contracted, it is then able to be measured to determine whether or not there is a defect in the organ. Pain in the gallbladder can also be mistaken for actual inflammation in the pancreas as the symptoms are often interchangeable. If any symptoms are experienced, it is critical for the individual to obtain a doctor’s expertise so that the appropriate treatment can be sought.