Gallbladder pain can occur along with symptoms like heartburn, indigestion, belching, bloating, nausea and vomiting. The pain usually starts right after a meal, and can last from fifteen minutes to several hours. Sometimes, the pain can become unbearable, and it can be accompanied by nausea and vomiting. This is usually a sign of a gallbladder attack.
Gallbladder attack usually happens during the night, or after a fatty meal, and it is usually caused by gallstones. A gallstone can block the bile duct and prevent bile from reaching the intestines.
Gallstones can be very small, and they can stay inside the body for years, without causing any symptoms. That is precisely why many people do not even know they have gallstones. However, when the stones reach certain size, they will start causing problems. Gallbladder pain is just one of such problems.
Can there be gallbladder pain without gallstones?
The answer is yes. Gallbladder pain can be caused by other problems, besides gallstones. If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned here, you need to go to your doctor and see what is wrong.
How to Treat Gallbladder Pain
The real question is: what can you do to stop the pain? First, you need to visit your doctor. You will be examined and your doctor will determine the problem and its causes. Then you will be given proper therapy.
Most gallbladder problems can be treated with medications and remedies, if diagnosed in time. If left untreated, gallbladder disorders can lead to other complications, some of which can be very serious. In such cases, gallbladder surgery will be done.
If you suffer from gallbladder disease, you will have to make some changes to your lifestyle. Your doctor will tell you more about your future diet. You will have to avoid certain foods, like fatty meat, sugary foods, and fatty dairy, foods that contain artificial sweeteners, additives and hydrogenated oils. Broccoli and cabbage will be excluded from your diet. You will be advised to avoid caffeine and alcoholic beverages.
If you follow your doctor’s instructions, you will prevent gallbladder pain and other unpleasant symptoms. Even after the surgery, you will have to be very careful with foods.
Some patients have recurring pain, even after gallbladder removal. If this happens, call your doctor as soon as possible. Gallbladder surgery is considered quite safe, but complications are possible, and the pain may be an indicator that something is wrong.