The gallbladder, located in the upper-right section of the abdomen below the liver, is a four-inch pear-shaped organ. Its function is to produce bile, a fluid essential for digestion. Bile breaks down the fats from the food that we eat. The gallbladder transfers bile to the small intestine, without which the soluble fats and vitamins won’t reach the bloodstream. As a result, when the gallbladder doesn’t function as it should, it can cause extreme discomfort.

The symptoms of gallbladder attack comprise acute and excruciatingly sharp pain, which can be a matter of worry if not treated early.

Causes of a gallbladder attack

Before discussing the symptoms of a gallbladder attack, it is important to understand how this bile-generating organ malfunctions, what a gallbladder attack is, and what causes gallbladder pain.

Gallstones

Gallstones are the most common cause of a gallbladder attack and are formed by the clumping of bile. People who consume more fried, packed, processed, and fatty foods are more prone to developing gallstones. These, on their own, go unnoticed. There could be several such people who are carrying on with their regular life with gallstones. The size of a gallstone can vary from a speck to the size of a golf ball. If large, then symptoms of gallbladder attack start showing up.

Bile duct stones

These are gallstones that get stuck in the tube, leading to the stomach. It is then that these gallstones start showing symptoms of a gallbladder attack. These gallstones will start to be problematic only if they get to resist the flow of the bile. If these stones start blocking the bile duct, then one may experience severe pain.

Perforation in the gallbladder

Perforation in the gallbladder occurs when a gallstone remains stuck in the bile duct for a prolonged time. This can cause it to create a hole in the gallbladder. Though this is a rare occurrence, it can be a life-threatening condition, giving rise to severe symptoms of a gallbladder attack.

Empyema or gallbladder abscess
Obstruction of the bile duct may lead to an accumulation of bile, causing an infection called empyema or gallbladder abscess. This infection can be serious and become immune to antibiotics if not treated early.

Symptoms of a gallbladder attack

When gallbladder stones get stuck, they block the flow of bile, which can cause the gallbladder to spasm. Following a gallbladder attack, the symptoms experienced include:

Pain that lasts for several hours

A severe pain that lasts long is one of the most prevalent symptoms of a gallbladder attack. The pain usually develops in the upper right or center of the abdomen. The pain can be extremely severe and sharp, causing extreme discomfort. Such acute long-lasting pain should be immediately given medical attention.

Pain in the back and chest

A pain developing beneath the right shoulder blade extending to the back and chest is another symptom of a gallbladder attack. This pain can persist for a day or two, or it can also be an acute pain that lasts for hours. The pain can be mild and continuous or severe and frequent.

Pain in the abdomen after eating

The pain in the upper right part or center of the abdomen may get severe right after eating. Sometimes, it may not be a clear pain but a growing discomfort that starts after eating. These pains or discomfort should not be left unattended.

Fevers and chills

Persistent fever and getting body chills can also be a symptom of a gallbladder attack. A gallbladder infection or gallstones can affect the body’s temperature and may result in a mid-to-high temperature fever and chills. If this symptom persists, one should immediately see a doctor.

Nausea and vomiting

A gallbladder attack causes discomfort in the stomach accompanied by a vomiting tendency. One may also feel persistently gaseous. While nausea and vomiting are symptoms common to many other health conditions, if they occur along with other symptoms, one should get checked for a gallbladder attack.

Light-colored stool

A change in the color of the stool is another symptom of a gallbladder attack. Usually, the stools are lighter in color if there is a gallbladder attack. It is important to take note that other health conditions are not overlapping with the symptoms, and a proper, healthy lifestyle is maintained.

Brownish-colored urine

Apart from the change in the color of stool, there is also a change in the color of the urine. The obstruction to the bile flow tends to change the color of urine to a more brownish one.

Jaundice

Another significant symptom of gallbladder attack is the yellowing of skin and whites of eyes, which is usually a symptom of jaundice. Due to restricted cleaning of the system and obstructed flow of bile, one may develop jaundice as a result of a gallbladder attack.

If one experiences any of the above symptoms, consult a doctor. Some common symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and fever are common to several other ailments. In such a case, look out for combinations of early gallbladder pain symptoms. If one experiences multiple symptoms of a gallbladder attack, it is best recommended to seek medical expertise immediately.