Is it a pain on the right side of the stomach? Could it be gallbladder pain?

Do you sometimes feel a sharp pain in the upper right side of your stomach? Does this pain come on especially after eating a heavy meal like oil or meat? It's normal to feel a little scared when this happens. But don't ignore this pain. Today we're talking about this gallbladder pain that's making you uncomfortable.

What is this gallbladder?

Simply put, the gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ located under your liver. It stores and releases a green liquid called bile, which helps us digest food, especially fatty foods, when we eat. When you eat, the gallbladder contracts and releases this bile into your small intestine. Normally, we don't notice it, but when there's a problem, it can cause pain.

What are the symptoms of a gallbladder problem?

If there is a problem with your gallbladder or bile ducts, you may feel pain, mainly in the upper right side of your abdomen . You may also experience the following:

• Pain in the back or chest (especially when taking a deep breath).
• Fever.
• Feeling like vomiting.
• Bloating.
• Itchy skin.
• Laboriousness.
• Yellowing of the skin and eyes , which we medically call jaundice .
• Weight loss for no reason.
• Changes in the color of your urine and stool.

Other conditions that feel like gallbladder pain

Since there are several organs inside our abdomen, it can be a little difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of the pain. Here are some other conditions that can cause pain similar to gallbladder pain.

What causes gallbladder pain?

There can be several reasons for this pain. Let's look at the main ones.

1. Gallstones

This is the main cause of gallbladder pain. It occurs when bile collects together and forms solid lumps like stones. These stones can be as small as a small piece of a piece or as large as a golf ball. If they become large enough to block the bile duct, they can cause sudden, severe pain. This often occurs after a fatty meal. However, many people have gallstones but have no symptoms. These are called 'silent stones'. They can be detected with something like an ultrasound scan .

2. Inflammation of the gallbladder (Cholecystitis)

Gallstones, infections, tumors, or other medical conditions can cause the gallbladder to become swollen and inflamed. This can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, fever, and nausea. If left untreated, the gallbladder can even burst.

3. Bile duct stones

Gallstones can become lodged in the bile ducts and cause severe pain that can last for hours. They can also cause yellowing of the eyes (jaundice) and vomiting.

4. Gallbladder cancer

This is a very rare condition. It is difficult to diagnose because it does not show symptoms in the early stages. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, weight loss, and jaundice.

5. Perforated gallbladder

Gallstones that have been present for a long time can cause a hole in the gallbladder wall. This is also rare, but can be life-threatening. Symptoms include high fever, vomiting, and severe pain in the right side of the abdomen.

How do you treat gallbladder pain?

First of all, remember, if you suspect you have gallbladder pain, see your doctor as soon as possible. The most important thing is to find the exact cause and begin treatment.

There are several things you can do at home to relieve the pain until you can see a doctor:

• Apply a hot water bottle to the painful area, but be careful not to burn the skin.
• Drink some peppermint tea . Peppermint has pain-relieving properties.
• You can take a magnesium supplement after consulting your doctor. However, people with diabetes, heart disease, or kidney disease should not take these without consulting a doctor.

After you see your doctor, depending on the diagnosis, the following treatments may be prescribed:

• Painkillers.
• Antibiotics if there is an infection.
• Endoscopy : This involves inserting a small camera-equipped tube through the mouth to remove small stones stuck in the bile ducts.

Gallbladder removal surgery (Cholecystectomy)

If you have a lot of stones in your gallbladder, if it is constantly inflamed, or if you have cancer, your doctor may decide to remove your gallbladder surgically. You can live a normal life without a gallbladder.

This surgery is performed in three main ways:

• Laparoscopic surgery: This is the most commonly used method now. Instead of a large incision, the gallbladder is removed through 3-4 small incisions in the abdomen, using a camera. This allows for a faster recovery.
• Open surgery: In this, a 4-6 inch incision is made in the abdomen and the gallbladder is removed. This method is used in complex cases.
• Robotic surgery: This is similar to the laparoscopic method, but the surgeon performs the surgery using a robotic arm controlled by a computer.

Some people may experience symptoms like pain and nausea similar to those they had before, even after their gallbladder is removed. This is called post-cholecystectomy syndrome . Talk to your doctor about this.

What should we do to protect ourselves from this situation?

You can keep your gallbladder healthy by making a few small changes to your lifestyle.

Change your diet.

• Include in your diet: foods rich in fiber (whole grains, nuts, vegetables, fruits), lean meat and fish, and low-fat dairy products.
• Reduce: saturated fat (butter, cheese, palm oil, coconut oil), sugar, salt, red meat and fried foods.

Exercise.

Engage in simple exercise, such as brisk walking, for at least 30 minutes a day.

Maintain a healthy weight.

If you are overweight, try to lose weight slowly , not all at once. Sudden weight loss can increase cholesterol levels in the gallbladder.

When to see a doctor

If you have any of the following symptoms, it is essential to seek medical advice immediately . If the pain is severe, go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.