Overview
The gallbladder is a small organ located just beneath the liver in the upper right abdomen. Its primary function is to store bile, a digestive fluid produced by the liver. Bile helps the digestive system break down fats and is released into the small intestine during digestion.
What Is Gallbladder Pain?
Gallbladder pain is most commonly associated with gallstones or inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis). Verified medical evidence shows that pain often occurs when a gallstone blocks the normal flow of bile, leading to inflammation.
Where Gallbladder Pain Is Felt
Based on verified clinical sources, gallbladder pain is commonly:
- Felt in the upper right part of the abdomen
- Sometimes felt in the center of the upper abdomen
- Able to radiate to the right shoulder or upper back
Pain episodes may last from several minutes to several hours.
Common Causes of Gallbladder Pain
Gallstones
Gallstones are hardened deposits of bile that can form in the gallbladder or bile ducts. When a gallstone blocks a bile duct, it can cause pain, nausea, or inflammation.
Cholecystitis
Cholecystitis is inflammation of the gallbladder. It often occurs when a gallstone blocks bile from exiting the gallbladder and may cause fever and significant pain.
Symptoms Associated With Gallbladder Pain
Verified symptoms include:
- Upper right abdominal pain
- Pain that may radiate to the right shoulder or back
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fever and chills (especially with inflammation or infection)
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), which may indicate bile duct blockage
How Gallbladder Problems Are Diagnosed
Initial Evaluation
Diagnosis begins with clinical evaluation of symptoms.
Imaging Tests
Imaging studies such as ultrasound are used to detect gallstones.
Blood Tests
Blood tests may be used to assess inflammation, infection, or liver involvement.
Treatment Options
Surgery
For people with symptomatic gallstones or gallbladder inflammation, gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy) is a well-established treatment. Evidence confirms:
- Surgery is commonly performed using minimally invasive techniques
- The gallbladder is not an essential organ
- Most people can live normally without it
Dietary changes are commonly recommended after gallbladder removal, particularly avoidance of fried or greasy foods during recovery.
When to See a Doctor
Seek immediate medical care if gallbladder-type pain is accompanied by:
- Severe abdominal pain
- Fever with chills
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
Medical evaluation is also recommended if pain is recurrent, severe, or concerning.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does gallbladder pain feel like?
Gallbladder pain is commonly felt in the upper right abdomen and may spread to the right shoulder or upper back. Episodes may last minutes to hours.
Does gallbladder pain happen after eating?
Yes. Verified sources show gallbladder pain may occur after meals, particularly fatty meals.
Can gallstones cause nausea or vomiting?
Yes. Nausea and vomiting are recognized symptoms when gallstones cause blockage or inflammation.
Is gallbladder pain serious?
Gallbladder pain can signal serious conditions, especially when accompanied by fever or jaundice. Medical evaluation is important.
Can drinking water, tea, apple cider vinegar, or baking soda relieve gallbladder pain?
There is no high-quality evidence supporting this.
Do home remedies relieve gallbladder pain?
There is no high-quality evidence supporting this.
Can gallbladder problems cause headaches, itchy skin, or weight gain?
There is no high-quality evidence supporting this.
Should I go to urgent care or the ER for gallbladder pain?
Emergency care is supported by evidence when pain is severe or accompanied by fever or jaundice. Evidence comparing urgent care versus emergency departments specifically is limited.
Key Takeaway
Gallbladder pain is most often linked to gallstones or gallbladder inflammation and commonly affects the upper right abdomen. Some cases require urgent care, while others are treated with planned surgery. Claims about home remedies or alternative treatments lack high-quality evidence.
APA References List
American College of Radiology. (2022). ACR Appropriateness Criteria®: Right upper quadrant pain (Revised 2022). AC Search. https://acsearch.acr.org/docs/69474/narrative/
Cleveland Clinic. (2021, July 28). Gallbladder: What is it, function, location & anatomy. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/21690-gallbladder
Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Gallstones (cholelithiasis): Symptoms, causes & treatment. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/7313-gallstones
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2025, April 16). Gallstones: Diagnosis and treatment. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gallstones/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354220
Mayo Clinic Staff. (n.d.). Gallstones: Symptoms and causes. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gallstones/symptoms-causes/syc-20354214
MedlinePlus. (2025, April 21). Gallstones. U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000273.htm
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2017, November). Diagnosis of gallstones. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/gallstones/diagnosis
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2017, November). Symptoms & causes of gallstones. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/gallstones/symptoms-causes
Radiological Society of North America, Inc., & American College of Radiology. (n.d.). Right upper quadrant pain. RadiologyInfo.org. https://www.radiologyinfo.org/info/acs-right-upper-quadrant-pain?PdfExport=1