Understanding what a your stomach pain could be and when to see medical intervention.
There’s a lot happening between your chest and pelvis, which can make pinpointing the source of stomach pain tricky. Stomach, or abdominal, pain in the upper part of your abdomen often leads people to wonder if their gallbladder is to blame. This small, pear-shaped organ located under your liver on the right side of your abdomen is a common cause of upper abdominal pain—but not the only one.
So how can you tell if your stomach pain is gallbladder-related or something else? Consultant General and Upper GI Surgeon Mr. Anselm Agwunobi shares insights into gallbladder function, typical symptoms, and other potential causes of abdominal discomfort.
What Does the Gallbladder Do?
The gallbladder stores bile, a digestive fluid made by the liver that helps break down fats. When you eat, the gallbladder releases bile into your intestine to aid digestion. However, if bile contains too much of certain substances, it can form hard gallstones that block bile flow, leading to pain.
Could Gallstones Be Causing My Pain?
Most gallstones are “silent,” causing no symptoms and only discovered during unrelated medical exams. However, when gallstones block the flow of bile, pressure builds in the gallbladder, triggering a gallbladder attack or biliary colic.
What Does Gallbladder Pain Feel Like?
Gallbladder pain is often described as a dull or crushing ache in the upper abdomen. The pain may radiate to your back or shoulders and typically lasts 20 minutes to an hour. It may recur in the same way and often comes with nausea or vomiting.
However, identifying the gallbladder as the culprit can be challenging. Other conditions like stomach ulcers, acid reflux, or even a heart attack can mimic gallbladder pain.
Who’s More Likely to Have Gallbladder Issues?
Certain factors increase the likelihood of gallbladder problems, including:
Pregnancy
Diabetes
Being overweight
Age 40 or older
Rapid weight loss
Hormone treatments like birth control or hormone replacement therapy
When Should You Seek Medical Help?
While some gallstones resolve on their own, others may cause recurring pain or serious complications. Keeping track of when and where you experience symptoms can help your doctor diagnose the problem. Tests like an ultrasound or blood work are commonly used, and in some cases, MRIs or CT scans may be needed.
Could It Be Something Else?
Conditions like bowel diseases, which can also cause diarrhoea, bloody stools, and weight loss, may mimic gallbladder pain. Stomach flu (gastroenteritis), heartburn, and stomach ulcers are also common sources of confusion. If your symptoms persist, consult a GP or gastrointestinal specialist for an accurate diagnosis.
What If You Need Your Gallbladder Removed?
If your gallbladder is causing significant problems, your doctor may recommend surgery to remove it. Fortunately, you can live a healthy life without a gallbladder, as your liver can still release bile directly into your intestines. Gallbladder removal is typically done via keyhole surgery, often as a day procedure, with most patients recovering fully and living comfortably.
Bottom Line
If you’re experiencing upper abdominal pain, don’t ignore it. Whether it’s gallbladder-related or another issue, seeking medical advice is key to finding relief and preventing complications.
Get in Touch to find out more
If you have any questions about our treatments, or would like to book a consultation with an experienced and leading specialist consultant, please contact our friendly team on 0161 495 7756 or 0161 495 7000.
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