Gallbladder Attack: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

A gallbladder attack, also known as biliary colic, gallstone attack, or acute cholecystitis, is a painful condition that occurs when gallstones obstruct the flow of bile. This blockage causes the gallbladder to spasm, leading to intense pain. [1] [2]

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What Does a Gallbladder Attack Feel Like?

The pain from a gallbladder attack is often described as sharp, gripping pain in the upper right or upper middle section of your abdomen that gets worse. [1] The pain can last anywhere from 15 minutes to a few hours. [1] The pain may also radiate to the right shoulder, back, or chest. [3]

Symptoms of a Gallbladder Attack

In addition to pain, other symptoms may accompany a gallbladder attack. These include:

• Nausea or vomiting. [1] [3]
• Fever or chills. [1] [3]
• Lighter-colored stool. [1]
• Dark or brown-colored urine. [1]
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes). [1] [3]
• Abdominal pain after eating. [1]
• Diarrhea. [1]

Causes of Gallbladder Attacks

Gallbladder attacks are primarily caused by gallstones. These hard deposits form in the gallbladder due to an imbalance in bile composition. [4] The bile may contain too much cholesterol, bilirubin, or not enough bile salts. [4] Other factors that can contribute to gallstone formation include obesity, diabetes, being over 60, a family history of gallbladder disease, Crohn’s Disease, and cirrhosis. [4]

When to Seek Medical Attention

It is important to seek medical attention if the pain is severe and does not go away after a few hours, or if you have a fever. [1] Gallbladder attacks can mimic the symptoms of other serious conditions, such as heart attacks and appendicitis. [1]

Treatment for Gallbladder Attacks

The treatment for gallbladder attacks depends on the severity of the symptoms. Pain relief medication and anti-nausea medication may be used. [4] For larger gallstones or more severe symptoms, surgery may be necessary. [4] The main surgical procedure used to treat gallbladder problems is called a cholecystectomy, which is the removal of the gallbladder. [4]

Prevention of Gallbladder Attacks

Preventing further gallbladder attacks involves lifestyle adjustments. A diet that avoids excessive intake of fatty foods is recommended. [4] The Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes plant-based foods, healthy fats, and lean proteins, can be particularly beneficial. [4]