Severe pain on the right side of the stomach? This could be gallbladder pain.

Have you suddenly experienced a sharp, stabbing pain in the upper right side of your abdomen, just below your ribs? Sometimes, does this pain radiate to your back and right shoulder? Does this pain not subside even after eating or going to the bathroom? So, it is very important for you to be aware of the gallbladder pain that we are talking about today.

First, let's see, what is this gallbladder?

Simply put, the gallbladder is a small sac-like organ located under our liver, on the upper right side of our stomach. Its main function is to temporarily store bile, which is produced by our liver. When we eat fatty foods, we need this bile to dissolve (digest) the fat. Then the gallbladder contracts and sends this bile into our small intestine through the bile ducts. This is its normal process.

What does gallbladder pain feel like?

Gallbladder pain is not like a normal stomach ache. This is much more severe.

• Sudden sharp pain: A sudden, severe stabbing pain in the upper right side of the abdomen. Some people may also feel this pain in the middle of the abdomen.
• Constant pain: This pain is constant. Even if we move around or change positions, the pain does not decrease.
• Increased pain when breathing: The pain may feel worse when you take a deep breath.
• Spreading pain: Sometimes this pain can spread to the right shoulder and back area.
• Other symptoms: Along with this severe pain, you may also experience symptoms such as nausea and vomiting , fever, and chills .

Why does this kind of pain occur? What are the main causes?

The main and most common cause of gallbladder pain is gallstones . We also call these in medical terms `(Cholelithiasis).` These are like stones that form inside our gallbladder. They are mostly formed by cholesterol deposits. These stones can be as small as a grain of salt or as large as a golf ball.

In addition to this main reason, there are several other reasons.

Bile Duct Stones

A gallstone can break free and become lodged in the common bile duct, the main bile duct. This is a more serious condition than gallstones. It can lead to other complications, such as pancreatitis.

Cholecystitis

When a gallstone blocks the bile duct, it becomes trapped inside. This allows bacteria to accumulate and infect the gallbladder, causing it to swell. This is what we call cholecystitis.

Other Gallbladder Disease

This can include any condition that affects the gallbladder or bile ducts. For example, biliary dyskinesia, inflammation of the bile ducts (cholangitis), etc.

Gallbladder Cancer

This is a very rare condition, but this type of pain can also be caused by the growth of cancer cells in the gallbladder.

Home remedies and medical treatments for pain

There are very few things you can do at home when you have gallbladder pain. Placing a hot water bottle on the area of ​​pain may provide some relief. But these are only temporary solutions.

When you see a doctor, they will determine treatment based on your condition.

• Painkillers: If the pain is constant, the doctor will prescribe painkillers to control it.
• Antibiotics: If there is an infection, antibiotics are given.
• Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP): This procedure involves passing a tube with a camera through the mouth to remove small stones stuck in the bile ducts, widen the duct, or take a sample of tissue for examination.
• Surgical removal of the gallbladder (Cholecystectomy): If gallstones are causing you constant problems, the best and most permanent solution is to have the gallbladder surgically removed. The gallbladder is not an essential organ for life. After it is removed, you can live a normal life.

This surgery is performed in two main ways:

1. Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: This is the most commonly used method. It is also called "keyhole surgery." The gallbladder is removed through a few small incisions in the abdomen using a camera. This method has a faster recovery time and less scarring.

2. Open Cholecystectomy: If the gallbladder is very swollen, there are complications, or cancer is suspected, this surgery is performed through a slightly larger incision in the abdomen.

Are there other diseases that feel like gallbladder pain?

Yes. Because there are other important organs on the right side of the abdomen, sometimes the pain of other medical conditions can feel similar to gallbladder pain. So it's important to know the difference between these.

Can this situation be prevented?

The best way to prevent gallstone formation and associated pain is to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle .

Foods to avoid:

• Foods high in saturated fats (oil, butter, cheese, red meat)
• High sugar and sodium (salt)
• Fried foods
• Excessive intake of refined carbohydrates such as bread and rice

Things to add to your diet:

• Lean meat and fish
• Vegetables and fruits
• Foods high in fiber
• Vegetables and whole grains
• Low-fat dairy products

In addition,Eating at the right time, not trying to lose weight suddenly, and exercising regularly go a long way in reducing the risk of developing gallstones.