Where it hurts
Gallbladder pain is usually felt in the upper right part of the abdomen, just under the ribs, or in the upper middle abdomen below the breastbone. It often spreads to the back, between the shoulder blades, or to the right shoulder.
What it feels like
- A steady, intense ache or pressure rather than cramping that comes and goes
- Pain that builds over 15 to 30 minutes and then stays constant
- Lasting from 30 minutes to several hours
- Often with nausea or vomiting
- Restlessness: many people can’t find a comfortable position
What triggers it
Attacks often happen after a large or fatty meal, when the gallbladder squeezes to release bile and a stone blocks its outlet. They also commonly start in the evening or wake people at night.
Talk with Dr. Arsenous about your options.
What else can feel similar
Heartburn, stomach ulcers, pancreatitis, kidney stones and, importantly, heart problems can cause upper abdominal or chest pain. If you are unsure, get evaluated.
When it is an emergency
Go to the emergency room for pain that lasts more than four to six hours, fever or chills, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine or pale stools, or chest pain or shortness of breath.
What to do next
If you have had one or more episodes that sound like this, an abdominal ultrasound is usually the first test. If gallstones are causing your symptoms, removing the gallbladder with a laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the standard treatment and prevents further attacks.