Guide To The Symptoms Of A Gallbladder Attack

Abdominal Tenderness

Abdominal tenderness is another symptom of a gallbladder attack. It is particularly common when the attack has resulted in gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis). This complication occurs when gallstones get stuck at the neck of the gallbladder. An abdominal examination may be used to assess tenderness. First, doctors will lightly feel the patient's entire abdomen, noting any areas of pain or swelling. Next, they will use firm pressure to feel their abdomen a second time. Pain and tenderness associated with this complication are most likely to be located in the upper right quadrant or the middle of the abdomen. Doctors will ask the patient whether the pain is dull or sharp. It is also useful for the medical team to know if the patient is experiencing tenderness in their upper back or right shoulder. Doctors may examine these areas too. They start by performing an abdominal ultrasound or an abdominal CT scan to investigate the patient's symptoms more closely.

Patients may need to have magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography, a type of MRI scan that shows gallbladder inflammation, to confirm gallbladder inflammation. Hepatobiliary nuclear imaging may be used to confirm that the patient's cystic duct is blocked. This duct is blocked in cases of acute gallbladder inflammation. Doctors may recommend that patients follow a low-fat diet as a treatment. Fasting may be considered so that the gallbladder can rest. Patients may need to take antibiotics as well. In certain cases, surgery to remove the gallbladder may be recommended, and doctors may also consider draining bile from the gallbladder.