Sharp Side Pain? Why Your Gallbladder Hurts & Medical Next Steps

A sharp pain in your upper right abdomen can be alarming—especially if it seems to come out of nowhere. One common cause of this type of discomfort is gallbladder pain. While not every ache in your side is serious, persistent or severe pain deserves attention.

Here's what you need to know about why gallbladder pain happens, what it feels like, and what to do next.

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What Is the Gallbladder?

Your gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ located under your liver on the right side of your abdomen. Its job is simple but important: it stores bile, a digestive fluid that helps your body break down fats.

When you eat—especially fatty foods—your gallbladder releases bile into your small intestine. If something interferes with this process, pain can occur.

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What Does Gallbladder Pain Feel Like?

Gallbladder pain is typically felt in the upper right abdomen. However, it can also:

• Radiate to the right shoulder or upper back
• Feel sharp, cramping, or like intense pressure
• Start suddenly and worsen after eating (especially fatty meals)
• Last from 30 minutes to several hours
• Be accompanied by nausea or vomiting

Some people describe it as one of the most intense pains they've ever felt. Others experience a steady, dull ache that builds over time.

If you notice recurring pain in this area, particularly after meals, your gallbladder may be the cause.

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Why Does the Gallbladder Hurt?

There are several possible reasons for gallbladder pain. The most common include:

1. Gallstones (Cholelithiasis)

Gallstones are hardened deposits of digestive fluid that can form in the gallbladder. They can be as small as a grain of sand or as large as a golf ball.

When a gallstone blocks a bile duct, it can trigger sudden, severe gallbladder pain—often called a gallbladder attack or biliary colic.

Common signs include:

• Sudden pain in the upper right abdomen
• Pain after eating fatty foods
• Nausea or vomiting
• Pain that comes in waves

Some people have gallstones and never experience symptoms. Others may have repeated painful episodes.

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2. Acute Cholecystitis (Gallbladder Inflammation)

If a gallstone blocks a bile duct and the blockage persists, the gallbladder can become inflamed. This condition is called acute cholecystitis.

Symptoms may include:

• Severe, steady gallbladder pain
• Fever
• Chills
• Nausea and vomiting
• Tenderness when pressing on the upper right abdomen

Unlike a typical gallbladder attack, the pain from acute cholecystitis usually does not go away on its own and requires prompt medical attention. If you're experiencing persistent upper abdominal pain with fever and are wondering whether it could be serious, you can check your symptoms with this free AI-powered Acute Cholecystitis symptom checker to help determine whether you should seek urgent care.

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3. Bile Duct Blockage

Sometimes, gallstones move into the bile ducts and block the flow of bile. This can lead to complications such as infection or inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis).

Warning signs may include:

• Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
• Dark urine
• Pale stools
• Severe abdominal pain
• Fever

These symptoms require prompt medical evaluation.

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4. Other Causes of Right-Sided Abdominal Pain

Not all right-sided pain is gallbladder pain. Other possible causes include:

• Acid reflux
• Stomach ulcers
• Liver problems
• Kidney stones
• Appendicitis
• Muscle strain

Because several conditions can cause similar symptoms, a medical evaluation is often necessary to determine the exact cause.

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Who Is at Higher Risk for Gallbladder Problems?

Certain factors increase the likelihood of gallstones and gallbladder pain:

• Female sex
• Age over 40
• Obesity
• Rapid weight loss
• Pregnancy
• Family history of gallstones
• High-fat or high-cholesterol diet
• Diabetes

That said, gallbladder problems can affect anyone.

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When Should You Seek Medical Care?

You should speak to a doctor promptly if you experience:

• Severe abdominal pain lasting more than a few hours
• Fever with abdominal pain
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes
• Persistent nausea and vomiting
• Pain that keeps returning

Call emergency services immediately if the pain is intense, worsening, or accompanied by high fever, confusion, chest pain, or fainting.

Gallbladder pain is often treatable, but complications can become serious if ignored.

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How Is Gallbladder Pain Diagnosed?

If you see a healthcare provider for gallbladder pain, they may:

• Ask detailed questions about your symptoms
• Perform a physical exam
• Order blood tests to check for infection or liver problems
• Recommend an ultrasound (the most common imaging test for gallstones)
• In some cases, order a CT scan or specialized imaging test

Ultrasound is painless and usually very effective at detecting gallstones.

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Treatment Options for Gallbladder Pain

Treatment depends on the cause and severity of your symptoms.

1. Watchful Waiting

If you have gallstones but no symptoms, treatment may not be necessary. Many people live with silent gallstones without problems.

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2. Medications

In mild cases, doctors may prescribe:

• Pain relievers
• Anti-nausea medications
• Antibiotics (if infection is suspected)

However, medications do not usually eliminate gallstones permanently.

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3. Surgery (Cholecystectomy)

If you have repeated gallbladder pain or complications like acute cholecystitis, surgical removal of the gallbladder may be recommended.

Gallbladder removal is:

• Common
• Typically done laparoscopically (minimally invasive)
• Associated with relatively short recovery times

You can live a normal life without a gallbladder. Your liver continues to produce bile, but it flows directly into your intestine instead of being stored.

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Can You Prevent Gallbladder Pain?

While not all cases are preventable, you can reduce your risk by:

• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Avoiding rapid weight loss
• Eating a balanced diet rich in fiber
• Limiting high-fat, fried, and heavily processed foods
• Exercising regularly

Small, steady lifestyle changes can help lower your risk of gallstones over time.

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The Bottom Line

Sharp pain on the right side of your abdomen may be gallbladder pain, especially if it happens after eating and feels intense or persistent. The most common cause is gallstones, but inflammation such as acute cholecystitis can be more serious.

The good news: gallbladder conditions are well understood and highly treatable. The key is not ignoring recurring or severe symptoms.

If you're uncertain about what your symptoms mean, consider using a free online symptom check for Acute Cholecystitis to better understand your risk. Most importantly, speak to a doctor about any abdominal pain that is severe, ongoing, or accompanied by fever, jaundice, or vomiting. Some causes of gallbladder pain can become life-threatening if left untreated.

Pay attention to your body. Persistent pain is a signal—not something to push through. Getting evaluated early can prevent complications and help you return to feeling your best.