Do I Need To See A Doc?
Having occasional stomach discomfort isn't an anomaly. Whether because a person ate too much, is feeling sick, or got injured, feeling a little pain can happen sometimes. In most cases, time, rest, and avoiding harsh foods are enough to help most people feel better quickly. Occasionally, a stomach bug or eating tainted food can create problems. However, when upset stomach and physical discomfort are persistent or follow specific patterns, a bigger issue might be present. In some scenarios, gallbladder conditions might be the culprit and in severe cases, could be a sign that removal surgery is needed.
What is the gallbladder?
The gallbladder is an organ in the digestive system. The small pouch is tasked with storing and releasing an important substance, bile, that is produced by the liver to help break down fats. The gallbladder is just below the liver and is located in the upper right area of the abdomen. Through a series of ducts known as biliary tracts, the organ releases bile from the liver and into the small intestine. A few key conditions can lead to gallbladder pain, which is often attributed to the stomach simply because people aren't aware of organ locations. However, gallbladder pain is almost always felt in the upper right portion of the belly. Telling a physician where the pain is felt can help to speed diagnosis and eliminate possible other dia
Gallstones
The most common type of gallbladder pain which might be misinterpreted as stomach discomfort is caused by gallstones. The hard little deposits form from hardened cholesterol or bilirubin and develop over time. People most likely to get gallstones are usually over 40, typically female, have a family history of the condition, and might be overweight or also have certain health conditions like diabetes and liver disease that increase the risk. Gallstone pain tends to be worse right after eating large amounts of food when the stones are blocking the biliary tract. As a result, the organ becomes swollen, which can lead to inflammation, irritation, and infection if left untreated.
Gallbladder disease
Gallbladder disease refers to any ailment in the organ, including inflammation, gallstones, errant tissue growth including tumors, infection, or a blockage. Again, pain is in the upper right portion of the abdomen by the rib cage, but severity varies depending on disease progression. For example, a minor case of gallbladder disease might just feel steady gripping or gnawing pain, while more severe cases can have discomfort that radiates to the upper back or even behind the breastbone. Some people might also experience nausea and vomiting. With chronic diagnoses, pain might also be associated with constant diarrhea and gas, along with the other symptoms mentioned above.
When to consider surgery
Surgery isn't typically a first step when gallbladder issues are suspected. Sometimes an operation might be needed to remove stubborn stones or if the organ isn't functioning properly. In most cases, the procedure is managed as an outpatient treatment and usually is minimally invasive thanks to laparoscopic methods. For stomach pain to hint at gallbladder issues, the pain usually has to be centralized in the upper right part of the belly. Likewise, other symptoms associated with blockages or digestive issues, like constant diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and even jaundice, would typically need to be present for a physician to suspect the gallbladder as the root cause.
