Overview Of Gallbladder Attack Symptoms

Abdominal Tenderness

Abdominal tenderness is a serious gallbladder attack symptom! It often means that patients are also dealing with gallbladder inflammation. Cholecystitis happens when gallstones are stuck at the neck of the patient's gallbladder. Most doctors conduct an abdominal exam when assessing this symptom! First, they will lightly press around the patient's abdomen. This allows them to pinpoint what areas are painful and swelling. They will then use firm pressure to reassess the patient's abdomen. In most cases, abdominal tenderness due to gallbladder inflammation occurs in the upper right or middle abdomen. Patients must talk about other aspects of their pain, such as if it is dull or sharp. They must also tell their doctor when they experience any tenderness in their right shoulder or upper back.

Doctors often order additional tests to check this symptom! Examples include an abdominal ultrasound or specialized magnetic resonance imaging scan. Specifically, patients often need magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography to confirm gallbladder inflammation. They need hepatobiliary nuclear imaging to confirm the presence of a blocked cystic duct. This happens in acute cases of gallbladder inflammation! One treatment is fasting so that the gallbladder has time to rest. Patients also need to follow a low-fat diet! Some patients need antibiotics or have surgery to remove their gallbladder. Another option is draining bile from the gallbladder!

Learn more about the symptoms of a gallbladder attack now.