Gallbladder issues can be painful and confusing

The most common problem is gallstones — hardened deposits that block bile flow. When a stone blocks a duct you may feel sudden, intense pain under your right ribs, often after a fatty meal. Other signs include nausea, vomiting, fever, yellowing of the skin or eyes, and persistent upper abdominal discomfort. If you have severe pain, fever, or jaundice, seek medical care right away.

Doctors use simple tests to check the gallbladder

An abdominal ultrasound is usually first because it’s quick and accurate for spotting stones. Blood tests check for infection and liver or pancreas problems. Sometimes a HIDA scan or CT scan is needed to see how well the gallbladder is working or to rule out other issues. Your doctor decides based on your symptoms and test results.

Treatment depends on the problem

If you have small, painless stones, watchful waiting and lifestyle changes may work. For repeated attacks or signs of infection, removing the gallbladder (laparoscopic cholecystectomy) is the standard fix and most people recover fully. In emergencies, doctors may use ERCP to remove stones from the bile duct or antibiotics for infection. There are also medications that can dissolve certain stones, but they work slowly and suit only specific cases.

Manage pain at home sensibly while waiting for care. Use over-the-counter pain relievers as directed, and avoid heavy, fatty meals that can trigger cramps. Eat smaller portions and pick lean proteins, whole grains, and plenty of vegetables. Hydration and regular meals help the digestive system work smoothly and reduce gallbladder stress.

Simple steps can reduce your risk of gallstones. Keep a healthy weight — but avoid very rapid weight loss, which raises risk. Aim for steady, moderate weight loss if needed. Include fiber and healthy fats from fish, nuts, and olive oil rather than lots of saturated fat. Regular physical activity also helps.

After gallbladder removal, most people return to normal eating in weeks. Some may notice looser stools at first; small, frequent meals help. Talk to your doctor about when you can resume exercise and any follow-up care you need. If symptoms return or you develop new symptoms, contact your healthcare provider.

If you’re unsure whether your pain is gallbladder-related, get evaluated. Quick testing and the right plan stop complications and get you back to normal. Knowing the signs, avoiding triggers, and acting fast when symptoms are severe make a big difference.

FAQ: Can diet alone fix gallstones? Not usually. Diet reduces risk and eases symptoms but won’t dissolve most stones quickly. If your pain is occasional, try low-fat choices and scheduled meals. When should I worry? Any steady fever, spreading pain, or yellow skin means call emergency services. Are there non-surgical options? Oral bile acids can dissolve small cholesterol stones but take months and often aren’t practical. What about supplements? Some people try milk thistle or turmeric for liver support, but evidence is limited—check with your doctor before starting any supplement. Share attack details with your doctor at appointments regularly.