Gallbladder Attack: Symptoms, Causes & Relief

Gallbladder attacks occur when too much bile forms in the gallbladder, when an infection permeates the organ or when a stone works its way down the bile tube towards the small intestine. Regardless of the cause, excruciatingly painful symptoms may follow.

Right Shoulder Blade Pain

• During a gallbladder attack, referred pain tends to travel up towards the right shoulder blade, creating a sharp or dull sensation. This symptom usually occurs at night, and like most attacks, tends to last anywhere from one to four hours.

Intestinal Discomfort

• Common symptoms of a gallbladder attack may include feelings of severe nausea, as well as frequent bouts of vomiting and gas.

Sore Abdomen

• The gallbladder lies on the right side of the abdomen, directly below the rib cage. During a gallbladder attack this region may become intensely sore or sensitive to touch.

Difficulty Walking

• The pain may become so severe during a gallbladder attack that some may find it difficult to walk upright.

Chest Pains

• An attack brought on by the appearance of stones or an infection tends to manifest in the form of right sided chest pains.