Is Your Gallbladder Causing Stomach Pain?

Gallbladder Causing Stomach Pain

Got stomach pain? Is your gallbladder causing stomach pain? How can you tell? We have all experienced a stomach ache at some time. When you have a stomach ache, you may have stomach-area pain, or you may feel nauseous. In normal circumstances, your stomach ache generally goes away fairly quickly.

However, if your pain or uncomfortable aching feeling is persistent, it may be due to something other than the stomach. In some cases, your stomach ache may be an issue with your gallbladder.

Worried about an ongoing stomach ache? Here is information on how to get your stomach ache diagnosed, and where you can go for a medical evaluation and treatment.

What Is the Gallbladder?

Your gallbladder is an organ in your digestive system. It collects and stores bile from your liver. The gallbladder releases bile into the small intestine as needed for the digestion of fats.

You can live without a gallbladder if you have chronic problems with this organ. Your surgeon will attach your liver directly to your small intestine for releasing bile for digestion. If you have this surgery, it helps to alleviate debilitating, stomach ache-like pains and enables you to enjoy a normal lifestyle once again.

Issues Causing Gallbladder Pain

Here are some potential problems that may cause your gallbladder pain:

Gallstones:
Gallstones can develop when your bile solidifies into stones in your gallbladder. This issue may or may not cause pain. If a gallstone blocks a bile duct, it will likely cause pain that feels like a stomach ache. The pain may feel intense in the middle portion of your upper abdomen. It may also be accompanied by chills, fever, nausea, vomiting or jaundice. You might notice that your stools are a clay color or are paler than usual.

Polyps:
Polyps can also form along the lining inside your gallbladder. The polyps can vary in size, and they are usually noncancerous. Gallbladder polyps can cause stomach ache-like pain whether they are cancerous or not.

Cholecystitis:
Inflammation of the gallbladder is called cholecystitis. This can be caused by a tumor in the gallbladder or due to gallstones blocking the tube which releases bile into the small intestine. This tends to cause stomach-area pain that usually occurs after you eat. You might also have fever, jaundice, nausea or vomiting.

A Gallbladder Infection:
An infection in the gallbladder can also cause stomach ache-type pain. This type of infection typically forms in your gallbladder ducts – the duct that brings bile from your liver into the gallbladder, and/or the duct that delivers bile to your small intestine. A gallbladder infection can cause fever, chills and jaundice.

Issues Causing Gallbladder Pain

Find an Expert Gastroenterologist for Stomach Care in Toms River, NJ

Your digestive tract is a complex system that can cause pain due to certain conditions, including problems with the stomach, intestines and gallbladder. At Ocean Family Gastroenterology, our expert medical team diagnoses and treats patients with digestive issues including chronic or intermittent stomach aches and gallbladder stones.

We are here to answer your questions and help you find relief from your stomach pain. To schedule an appointment with one of our skilled medical staff members, contact us at (732) 281-1590 or online HERE.