Why do gallstones cause abdominal pain?

The gallbladder stores bile and squeezes it into the bile ducts, particularly after food. A stone can lodge at its outlet or move into a duct. The resulting pressure and muscular spasm may produce pain in the upper right or middle abdomen, sometimes spreading to the back or right shoulder. Abdominal Pain is a very common presentation of Gallstones, but abdominal pain alone does not identify its cause. Pain may be episodic if a stone shifts, or more persistent when inflammation develops.

Arrange a medical review for a new pattern of upper abdominal pain, particularly if it follows meals or recurs. A clinician may examine your abdomen and arrange blood tests or an ultrasound to look for gallstones and complications. Avoiding very large or fatty meals may reduce symptoms for some people while they wait for assessment, but it does not remove stones. Do not start or stop pain medicines without advice if you have other health conditions or take regular medicines.

Seek urgent care for severe or worsening abdominal pain, fever, chills, repeated vomiting, yellow eyes or skin, dark urine, or pale stools. These signs can accompany inflammation, infection, or blockage of a bile duct. Emergency assessment is needed if pain is overwhelming, you faint, become confused, or cannot keep fluids down.

Ask whether the pattern of pain fits biliary colic or gallbladder inflammation, what tests are appropriate, and which warning signs should prompt urgent review. You can also ask whether removal of the gallbladder is being considered and what recovery may involve.