Gallbladder pain worse when lying down. Gallbladder Pain While Lying Down: Optimal Sleeping Positions and Relief Strategies
What are the best sleeping positions for gallbladder pain. How can you alleviate discomfort caused by gallstones at night. Which sleeping positions should be avoided during a gallbladder attack. When should you seek medical attention for gallbladder pain.
Understanding Gallbladder Pain and Its Causes
The gallbladder, a small digestive organ, plays a crucial role in storing bile, which is essential for fat digestion. When the chemical balance of bile is disrupted, it can lead to the formation of gallstones – small protein deposits that can block the bile duct and trigger what’s commonly known as a gallbladder attack or biliary colic.
Gallstones affect a significant portion of the population, with estimates suggesting that over 20 million Americans have experienced or will develop these painful deposits. The resulting attacks can cause severe pain in the upper abdomen, sometimes lasting for hours and significantly impacting one’s quality of life, especially during rest and sleep.
What causes gallbladder pain to worsen when lying down?
Gallbladder pain often intensifies when lying down due to changes in pressure and the position of internal organs. When reclining, the liver and gallbladder can shift, potentially exacerbating any existing blockages or inflammation. This positional change can lead to increased discomfort, making it challenging to find a comfortable sleeping position.
Optimal Sleeping Positions for Gallbladder Pain Relief
Finding the right sleeping position can make a significant difference in managing gallbladder pain. While scientific research on this topic is limited, anecdotal evidence and conventional wisdom offer some guidance:
Is sleeping on the left side beneficial for gallbladder pain?
Sleeping on your left side is often recommended as the best position for alleviating gallbladder pain. This position allows the gallbladder to contract and expand more freely, potentially helping to clear blockages in the bile duct. By facilitating the natural movement of the gallbladder, left-side sleeping may contribute to pain relief and improved comfort during rest.
Which sleeping positions should be avoided during a gallbladder attack?
It’s generally advised to avoid sleeping on your right side during a gallbladder attack. The liver and gallbladder are located on the right side of the body, and this position can constrict the gallbladder, making it more difficult for gallstones to pass. The added pressure may even exacerbate the pain.
Additionally, sleeping on your back or stomach might not provide the necessary relief and comfort until the pain from the blocked bile duct subsides. These positions can put unnecessary pressure on the affected area, potentially prolonging discomfort.
Alternative Pain Relief Strategies for Gallbladder Discomfort
While finding the right sleeping position is crucial, there are other pain relief remedies you can try to manage gallbladder discomfort:
- Apply a warm compress to the affected area to reduce pressure and soothe pain. A hot water bottle or heating pad can be effective for this purpose.
- Drink peppermint tea, which may help alleviate pain and calm spasms in the gallbladder.
- Consider taking a magnesium supplement or mixing magnesium powder with warm water. Magnesium may aid in emptying the gallbladder and provide relief from gallbladder attacks.
How can diet modifications help manage gallbladder pain?
Dietary changes can play a significant role in managing gallbladder pain and preventing future attacks. Consider the following dietary adjustments:
- Reduce intake of fatty and fried foods, which can trigger gallbladder attacks.
- Increase consumption of fiber-rich foods to promote healthy digestion.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
- Incorporate anti-inflammatory foods like leafy greens and berries into your diet.
Recognizing When to Seek Medical Attention
While many cases of gallbladder pain can be managed at home, it’s crucial to recognize when professional medical help is necessary. Certain symptoms accompanying gallbladder pain may indicate a more serious condition requiring immediate attention.
What symptoms indicate a need for emergency medical care?
If you experience any of the following symptoms along with gallbladder pain, it’s important to call a doctor or visit the emergency room:
- Severe abdominal pain lasting for several hours
- Persistent nausea and vomiting
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Fever and chills
- Light-colored stool
- Dark urine
These symptoms could indicate complications such as infection, inflammation, or blockage of the bile duct, which require prompt medical intervention.
Long-Term Management of Gallbladder Health
While addressing acute pain is important, it’s equally crucial to focus on long-term gallbladder health to prevent future attacks and complications.
How can lifestyle changes contribute to gallbladder health?
Implementing certain lifestyle modifications can significantly improve gallbladder health and reduce the risk of future pain episodes:
- Maintain a healthy weight through regular exercise and a balanced diet.
- Avoid rapid weight loss, which can increase the risk of gallstone formation.
- Eat regular meals to promote consistent gallbladder function.
- Limit alcohol consumption, as excessive intake can contribute to gallbladder issues.
- Stay physically active to support overall digestive health.
Understanding Gallbladder Surgery Options
In some cases, recurrent gallbladder pain or complications may necessitate surgical intervention. Understanding the available options can help patients make informed decisions about their treatment.
What are the common surgical procedures for gallbladder issues?
The most common surgical procedure for gallbladder problems is cholecystectomy, which involves the removal of the gallbladder. This can be performed through two main approaches:
- Laparoscopic cholecystectomy: A minimally invasive procedure involving small incisions and a camera-guided technique.
- Open cholecystectomy: A traditional surgical approach used in more complex cases or when laparoscopic surgery is not feasible.
Your healthcare provider can discuss the most appropriate option based on your specific condition and medical history.
Holistic Approaches to Gallbladder Health
In addition to conventional medical treatments, some individuals find relief through holistic and complementary approaches to gallbladder health.
Can natural remedies provide relief from gallbladder pain?
While scientific evidence is limited, some natural remedies have been traditionally used to support gallbladder health and potentially alleviate pain:
- Apple cider vinegar: Some believe it may help dissolve small gallstones and improve bile production.
- Milk thistle: Known for its potential liver-protective properties, it may indirectly support gallbladder function.
- Turmeric: Its anti-inflammatory properties may help reduce gallbladder inflammation.
- Dandelion root: Traditionally used to stimulate bile production and support liver health.
It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before trying any natural remedies, especially if you have existing gallbladder issues or are taking medications.
Prevention Strategies for Gallbladder Problems
Preventing gallbladder issues is often easier and less painful than treating them after they occur. Implementing preventive measures can significantly reduce the risk of developing gallstones and experiencing gallbladder attacks.
How can you reduce the risk of developing gallbladder problems?
Consider the following strategies to maintain gallbladder health and prevent complications:
- Maintain a healthy body weight through balanced nutrition and regular exercise.
- Avoid crash diets or rapid weight loss, which can increase the risk of gallstone formation.
- Include plenty of fiber in your diet to support healthy digestion and reduce the risk of gallstones.
- Stay hydrated by drinking adequate amounts of water throughout the day.
- Limit intake of high-fat and processed foods, which can strain the gallbladder.
- Consider including foods rich in vitamin C, as some studies suggest it may help prevent gallstone formation.
- Manage underlying health conditions, such as diabetes or high cholesterol, which can contribute to gallbladder issues.
By incorporating these preventive measures into your lifestyle, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of experiencing gallbladder pain and related complications.
Best Sleeping Position for Gallbladder Pain
Best Sleeping Position for Gallbladder Pain
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Medically reviewed by Cynthia Taylor Chavoustie, MPAS, PA-C — By Kathryn Watson on September 30, 2021
The gallbladder is a small digestive organ that stores bile. Bile is what your body uses to digest fat, and it’s usually released from your gallbladder into your small intestine.
When the chemical balance of bile is off, bile can crystallize into small protein deposits called gallstones. Gallstones can block the bile duct and cause what’s sometimes called a gallbladder attack or biliary colic.
It’s estimated that over 20 million Americans have had or will develop gallstones. These attacks can cause symptoms of severe pain in your upper abdomen. Sometimes this pain lasts for hours.
Resting or sleeping in certain positions may help relieve your gallbladder pain. There are also at-home strategies you can try while you wait to see if the pain resolves. We’ll cover the best sleep positions during a gallbladder attack, what to avoid while you’re in pain, and how to know when to seek emergency help.
When you’re experiencing gallbladder pain, you should sleep on your left side.
Sleeping or resting on your left side allows your gallbladder to freely contract and expand until the blockage of your bile duct has cleared. The theory is that this can help resolve pain.
While this is conventional wisdom, keep in mind that most of the evidence for it is anecdotal. There is currently no research that compares the pain level of different reclining positions when you are having gallbladder pain.
If you’re experiencing any type of gallbladder pain, you may want to avoid sleeping on your right side. That’s because your liver and gallbladder are both located on the right side of your body. Sleeping on the right side can constrict your gallbladder and can make it harder for a gallbladder stone to pass. The added pressure of sleeping on your right side may even make gallbladder pain worse.
You may also want to avoid sleeping on your back or stomach. These positions may not feel comfortable until the pain of your blocked bile duct has passed.
There are other pain relief remedies you can try when you’re in pain from a blocked bile duct.
- While lying on your left side, try a warm compress to reduce pressure and soothe pain. A hot water bottle or heating pad can work well for this purpose.
- Drink soothing peppermint tea to alleviate pain and calm spasms in your gallbladder.
- Consider taking a magnesium supplement or mixing magnesium powder with warm water. Magnesium may help empty your gallbladder and provide relief from gallbladder attacks.
Gallbladder pain can be a sign that you need medical help. Call a doctor or go to the emergency room if you notice any of the following symptoms occurring along with your gallbladder pain.
- severe pain in your abdomen that lasts for several hours
- nausea and vomiting
- yellowed tinge to your skin or eyes (jaundice)
- fever and chills
- light colored stool
- dark urine
Gallbladder pain is relatively common and is usually caused by gallstones that block your bile duct. Resting or sleeping on your left side can help manage pain caused by gallstones if you have a clogged bile duct.
You may also want to try other home remedies for pain relief. Severe symptoms should not be ignored and could indicate a health emergency. Speak with a doctor if you are concerned about gallstones and gallbladder pain.
Last medically reviewed on September 30, 2021
How we reviewed this article:
Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.
- DiBiase J. (2014). Evaluation and management of functional biliary pain in patients with an intact gallbladder.
tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1586/egh.09.17 - Galled by the gallbladder? (2015).
newsinhealth.nih.gov/2015/02/galled-gallbladder - Johnson CD. (2001). Upper abdominal pain: Gall bladder.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1121646/ - Symptoms and causes of gallstones.
niddk. nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/gallstones/symptoms-causes
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
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Medically reviewed by Cynthia Taylor Chavoustie, MPAS, PA-C — By Kathryn Watson on September 30, 2021
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Is Your Upper Abdominal Pain Acid Reflux or a Gallbladder Attack?
Have you ever noticed a pain at the top of your stomach, either after eating or when lying down? Two common conditions that cause upper abdominal pain are acid reflux and gallbladder disease. They can have some of the same symptoms. But understanding the differences will make it easier to start a conversation with your doctor so they can help you find the pain relief you need.
A Look at Your Gallbladder
Your gallbladder is located at the top of your upper right abdomen. The small sac is responsible for storing bile produced by your liver. The gallbladder typically functions the way that it is supposed to. However, if it becomes infected or blocked, it can lead to pain and a serious medical condition.
Gallstones are the most common cause of a gallbladder attack. They can block the bile ducts which puts pressure on the gallbladder, causing pain. If you frequently have attacks, there is a chance you’ll need to have your gallbladder removed.
Some of the risk factors for developing gallbladder attacks include:
- Heredity – have others in your family had gallbladder attacks?
- Being overweight
- Hormone imbalances
- Pregnancy or recently being pregnant as your hormones return to normal.
Whether you have risk factors or not, you can have a gallbladder attack. If there is too much cholesterol in the bile that is stored in your gallbladder, it can form into small stones that have to pass through the tiny ducts, causing a lot of pain.
If you eat a heavy or greasy meal, it can trigger a gallbladder attack.
The pain is typically intense and located in the upper right part of your abdomen but sometimes may be in the upper center part of your abdomen or even in your chest. It may even spread to the right shoulder or to the right side of your back. Beyond the pain, symptoms can include fever, chills, and diarrhea. Symptoms can last up to a few hours and usually go away on their own.
A Look at Acid Reflux
Acid reflux’s primary symptom is heartburn. GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) occurs when acid reflux becomes chronic. Approximately two out of every five adults are affected by acid reflux. Diet and genetics are a big part of the equation, and age and obesity lead to a higher frequency of acid reflux.
Some of the symptoms you may encounter include not only heartburn but also sleep disruption, chest pain, voice changes, intolerance of certain foods, bloating, coughing and even asthma. The reason for this is because of a weak muscle valve that’s located between the esophagus and stomach. It causes some of the stomach acid to make its way back up your esophagus. Basically, you feel a strong burning sensation at the back of your throat, and sometimes at the base of your esophagus. This is because your esophagus isn’t lined like your stomach which can handle the acids. Acid in the esophagus leads to heartburn.
For those with mild acid reflux, which happens only now and then, treatment can be as simple as managing your diet and elevating your torso when you encounter problems. You can use some over the counter heartburn medications to ease the symptoms.
If you are experiencing acid reflux more than once a week or so, you might try an acid reflux over the counter medication. If you’ve tried various over-the-counter medications and lifestyle modifications but still have the symptoms, it’s best to talk to your doctor. There are some common surgeries available today that can relieve chronic heartburn (GERD) symptoms.
Take a Close Look at Your Abdominal Pain
It’s important to keep track of where your pain is so that your doctor will have more information for a proper diagnosis. Take notes about the following:
- Is your abdominal pain every day when you eat, after you eat? At night?
- What foods were you recently eating before the pain started?
- Where is the pain located?
- How long after you’re eating do you start to feel the pain?
- Does the pain go away on its own? If so, how long does that typically take?
- What did you eat over the past hour or two before you started having pain?
Acid reflux, for most people, will cause pain almost immediately after you eat a meal, or after eating specific foods. If you go to bed soon after eating, it can be aggravated by lying down. It may wake you up at night.
If gallbladder disease is responsible for your pain, it will often occur immediately or few hours after eating. It may also wake you up at night. Greasy and fatty foods can make it worse, but not always.
A change in diet and lifestyle can reduce upper abdominal pain for many people. But GERD and gallbladder disease may require surgery to help relieve the regular pain.
With the symptoms being in a similar area of the body for both acid reflux and gallbladder attacks, you can identify between the two if you know what to look for. However, you may also encounter nonspecific symptoms, such as a dull pain at the base of your stomach. Take note of that as well.
To figure out what you have and how severe it is your doctor may order a number of tests. An ultrasound, an endoscopy, a gallbladder HIDA scan, a ph probe, a manometry and other tests may be run to find the cause of your abdominal pain.
How Treatments for Abdominal Pain Vary
Ultimately, your goal is to be symptom-free by solving the cause of the pain. If you’re experiencing upper abdominal pain more than once a week, or taking acid reflux medications regularly for more than a few weeks at a time, you should consider scheduling an appointment with your doctor. Otherwise, you could end up dealing with the symptoms for months or even years. If you don’t schedule a special appointment, then be sure to mention it during your next regular checkup. If you don’t address the cause, you risk developing additional health conditions or damage to your esophagus and other organs. Generally speaking, the sooner you have a condition treated, the easier it is to solve.
Is Surgery Right for You?
Surgery isn’t the solution for everyone, but for some it can provide life-changing relief. If your doctor thinks it’s the best option, he or she will refer you to a surgeon like Dr. Howard who specializes in reflux and gallbladder surgery.
Acid Reflux Surgeries in The Woodlands
Dr. Howard performs a number of different surgeries, most of them with a short recovery period, depending on the diagnosis. These include:
- Laparoscopic acid reflux surgery (Nissen)
- TIF (Transoral Nissen fundoplication)
- Linx
- Hiatal hernia
- Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal)
Gallbladder Removal Surgery in The Woodlands
You can live a normal life with some diet adjustments without a gallbladder. Living without pain is often a better option than repeated attacks. Such a surgery is known as a cholecystectomy. This gallbladder surgery is done laparoscopically with three to four small incisions to remove the gallbladder. The gallbladder is removed so that it’s no longer causing you pain. Additionally, you wouldn’t have to worry about an infection or gallstones in the future. The surgery is done as an outpatient surgery and you will return home the same day.
Is Surgery Right for You?
It’s important that you don’t automatically assume you need surgery. It’s an option for those who it can really help. Dr. Howard will always spend time explaining your options and making a recommendation he feels will help you the most. If you’re feeling upper abdominal pain regularly, be sure you’re tracking your symptoms to make it easier to diagnose and focus on a treatment that can give you relief once and for all.
If your doctor has recommended that you see a surgeon or you feel that you need a proper work up to find the right solution to your problem, schedule an appointment with Dr. Howard at our office in The Woodlands for a surgical consultation to find out what is best for you.
Categories: Acid Reflux & GERD
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Pain in the right side of the abdomen
General information
Abdominal pain may indicate different causes. It can be both a symptom of the disease, and indigestion. The abdomen is filled with many different organs, tissues and structures. Every organ in the abdomen can get sick, becoming a harbinger of pain.
Increased attention should be paid to the sudden onset of sharp pain in the abdomen. This pain may be the first symptom for immediate medical assistance . Many abdominal organs are hollow: stomach, intestines, gallbladder. And if one of them fails, then your life is in danger. If a sharp sudden pain lasts more than 30 minutes, you should urgently call a doctor or go to the hospital for an examination.
Pain in the right side of the abdomen
Pain in the upper right side of the abdomen . The following organs are located in this area:
Disease or injury to these organs gives you pain in the upper abdomen. The intensity and severity of the pain will depend on what is happening. Pain in the right hypochondrium may be due to inflammation of the liver (hepatitis). The infectious agents that most often attack the liver are viruses. Hence the so-called viral hepatitis .
Hepatitis
There are three main types: viral hepatitis A, B, C. People usually get viral hepatitis A after they swallow food or water contaminated with sewage. Hepatitis B is especially common among homosexuals, drug addicts and those who were in close contact with them.
Hepatitis C is almost always transmitted through contaminated blood transfusions, medical needles and products containing blood. It is especially common among drug addicts.
Various chemicals and drugs can also damage the liver due to their toxicity. This is the so-called toxic hepatitis. The most dangerous nucleus for the liver is alcohol.
Regular alcohol abuse develops alcoholic hepatitis . The liver can also suffer from heart failure, when the heart muscle does not pump the blood that comes to the heart well. Part stagnates in the lungs, resulting in respiratory failure, and part stagnates in the liver, stretching it and causing pain.
Pain in the upper right abdomen (right upper quadrant (or right hypochondrium)) may be related to the gallbladder. It should be noted that bile plays an important role in the body. Bile, which is produced in the liver, helps digest food. Excess bile is stored in the gallbladder. And if you have eaten a lot of fatty foods, then you need a lot of bile to absorb fats. Therefore the gallbladder injects its contents into the intestines. Infection, poor liver function, or gallstones are often responsible for pain in the right upper abdomen.
Pancreatitis
There is also another important organ in the abdomen: the pancreas. The pancreas is a glandular organ deep in the abdominal cavity that secretes digestive enzymes, juices and insulin. The pancreas is extended from right to left. The “head” of the gland is in the upper right quadrant, the “body” crosses the midline of the abdomen, and the “tail” is located in the upper left quadrant.
Most common cause pancreatic pain is an inflammation (pancreatitis) to which alcoholics and people suffering from gallbladder disease are particularly predisposed. The attack of acute pancreatitis has a number of features. First, the attack is extremely painful, accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and profuse sweating. The pain radiates straight to the back. Increases in the supine position.
Diagnosis usually requires confirmation by laboratory tests, to determine the content of certain enzymes secreted by the affected gland. Sometimes pain in the right upper quadrant causes renal pathology. One kidney on each side of the body, kidney disorders usually cause pain in the corresponding side and back.
If the right kidney becomes infected, develops an abscess, or stones, the resulting pain may be felt in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen, as well as in the back.
Pain in the lower right abdomen . In the lower right quadrant are the appendix (a small piece of tissue that extends from the large intestine), the intestines, which can be affected by various diseases, and the ureter, which drains urine from the kidneys to the bladder, fallopian tubes in women.
Any pain in the right lower abdomen should make you think about appendicitis . This diagnosis should not be withdrawn until proven otherwise. If you can point to the location of the pain with one finger, if it lasts for more than 12 hours without easing, if the pain is also localized near the navel, then it is most likely that you have appendicitis.
In any case, if you suspect that you have appendicitis, contact your doctor immediately. And if the diagnosis is confirmed, the doctor will suggest you an operation. Otherwise, the appendix may fester and burst. And then even appendicitis can be fatal.
Intestinal infection
Pain in the lower right quadrant may be caused by intestinal infection (ulcerative colitis, ileitis, Crohn’s disease, or diarrhea caused by parasites such as amoebas or worms), shingles, and compression of nerves that radiate from spine and terminate in this area. A kidney stone on its way down to the bladder through the ureter can also cause excruciating pain in this quadrant.
Women may experience pain in this area at ectopic pregnancy . An ectopic pregnancy happens when a fertilized egg stays in the fallopian tube instead of going down into the uterus. Pain in this part of the abdomen may occur with infections obtained sexually :
- gonorrhea;
- trichomoniasis;
- chlamydia.
Ovarian cysts, especially if they rupture, and ovarian tumors can cause similar chronic pain. Period Pain Makes Physicians Suggest endometriosis.
Only a gynecologist can detect endometriosis . After listening to the patient’s complaints, he will conduct a complete clinical and gynecological examination in order to exclude other female diseases. In case of pain in the right side of the abdomen, you need to contact a gynecologist, gastroenterologist, infectious disease specialist . The doctor will be able to make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe the optimal treatment for the disease.
Why biliary colic occurs and how to deal with this disease / Health / Nezavisimaya Gazeta
Useful for cholelithiasis sweet fruits and berries. Photo by the Moscow agency |
Gallstone disease is a very common disease characterized by the formation of so-called calculi (stones) from calcium and cholesterol salts. They are localized in the gallbladder or bile ducts. According to statistics, women are more prone to this disease than men, due to the increased production of bile. Especially provokes its high level of the hormone estrogen, which is observed in pregnant women. People who abuse fatty foods and lead a sedentary lifestyle are also at risk. In addition, an important factor contributing to the occurrence of the disease is heredity.
In a word, if you are concerned about bitterness in the mouth and heaviness in the abdomen, aggravated after eating fatty foods, smoked meats, pickled foods, you should consult a gastroenterologist. Other symptoms include flatulence, loose stools, and general weakness. It happens that the disease proceeds without pronounced signs, only occasionally reminding of itself. But one fine day, a sharp pain suddenly appears in the right hypochondrium, passing into the shoulder and shoulder blade. This is biliary colic – a pain syndrome that signals the presence of stones.
So, biliary colic is an attack of sharp cramping pain in the right hypochondrium, which can spread to the upper abdomen, right shoulder and even neck. Most often, it occurs with cholelithiasis (according to statistics, it occurs in women 2-3 times more often than in men). Thus, biliary colic occurs due to blockage of the bile ducts (ducts) with small stones or sand, as a result of which the normal outflow of bile from the gallbladder into the common duct associated with the duodenum is disturbed. In this case, pressure builds up in the gallbladder, which leads to pain.
However, sometimes biliary colic occurs even in the absence of stones. In this case, it may be caused by cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder) or biliary dyskinesia (violation of the contractility of the bile ducts). Typically, an attack occurs after eating fatty, fried or spicy foods, as well as drinking alcohol. The pain can spread throughout the abdomen and radiate to the back. Moreover, it increases with movement and is often accompanied by nausea and vomiting, and sometimes by fever and icteric coloration of the skin. By the way, the occurrence of colic can be provoked by various physical activities, such as working in a summer cottage or lifting weights.
What to do in the event of an attack? First of all, you need to unfasten tight clothes, then lie on your right side and try to relax. It is noticed that rest sometimes helps to relieve pain. Since the specific cause of biliary colic is unknown, a hot heating pad should not be placed on the stomach, as this may worsen the patient’s condition. If the pain does not subside, you need to call an ambulance. After examining the patient, the doctor will relieve the attack by injecting an antispasmodic and analgesic drug. And in severe cases, hospitalization in the surgical department of the hospital will be required.
However, even if colic passes without consequences, it is necessary to consult a gastroenterologist. After all, it is not excluded that the attack can be repeated. Therefore, it is important to establish the cause. Perhaps the pain is not caused by a disease of the gallbladder, but by another ailment, such as pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) or right-sided renal colic. Ultrasound and X-ray examinations, as well as duodenal sounding (examination of the function of the liver, gallbladder, pancreas using a probe) will help to identify a specific pathology.
If we are talking about cholelithiasis, then in the initial stage its treatment can be conservative. It is based on diet. The patient should exclude fatty and spicy foods from his diet, as well as refuse to drink alcohol.