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Is Gallstone Pain Usually Very Painful?

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Posted on Tue, 13 May 2014
Question: Is gallstone pain usually very painful? Canit only cause back pain or does it usually persent front and back pain?
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Answered by Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (1 hour later)
Brief Answer: Answer given below Detailed Answer: Hi, Thanks for posting your query. I am Dr.R.K and I am pleased to assist you. Gallstone most often remains without any symptom. It causes symptoms only when there is obstruction and inflammation. It causes severe pain in the right upper abdomen which may radiate to the right shoulder or the right shoulder blade. Sometimes the stone may move in to the bile duct and causes obstruction which will result in severe pain in the right upper abdomen along with fever and jaundice. And at times it may descend further and cause obstruction of the pancreatic duct causing severe pain in the upper abdomen which may radiate to the back. An ultrasound scan of the abdomen and a liver function test may be done to assess the status of the gallstones. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr.R.K
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Follow up: Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (9 minutes later)
My discomfort is very mild and sometimes its hust in my back. Sounds like if its gallbladder related its painful, correct?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (6 minutes later)
Brief Answer: Answer given below Detailed Answer: Hi, It is less likely to be gallbladder/stone related pain. To confirm, you can get an ultrasound scan of the abdomen and a liver function test done. If it is of recent onset, get serum amylase and lipase done to rule out pancreatitis. For the time being, you can take prilosec and ultracet for pain relief. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr.R.K
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Follow up: Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (9 minutes later)
Ok that is what I thought as well. I heard when gallstones cause pain it is very painful. Can acid reflux cause back pain? I had my liver tested in Feb and it came back fine. Would it hurt worse wih alcohol consumption? Ive had alcohol and have nit had any problems?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (1 hour later)
Brief Answer: Answer given below Detailed Answer: Hi, Acid reflux pain may rarely radiate to back and it is usually mild in nature. Yes alcohol consumption can affect the liver causing hepatitis. Hepatitis can cause right upper quadrant pain. Alcohol intake can also affect stomach causing pain in the upper abdomen. Let me know if i can assist you further. Regards, Dr.R.K
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (2 minutes later)
Would alcohol impact gallbladder pain? Also i had an ultrasound a year ago and didnot have any issues with my gallbladder or pancreas/liver. I ubderstood gallstones happen over a period of years - is that true
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (3 minutes later)
Brief Answer: Answer given below Detailed Answer: Hi, No, alcohol intake does not impact gallbladder pain. Gallstones need not always take years to develop. It may develop even in months. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr.R.K
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini

Gastroenterologist

Practicing since :1994

Answered : 2215 Questions

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Is Gallstone Pain Usually Very Painful?

Brief Answer: Answer given below Detailed Answer: Hi, Thanks for posting your query. I am Dr.R.K and I am pleased to assist you. Gallstone most often remains without any symptom. It causes symptoms only when there is obstruction and inflammation. It causes severe pain in the right upper abdomen which may radiate to the right shoulder or the right shoulder blade. Sometimes the stone may move in to the bile duct and causes obstruction which will result in severe pain in the right upper abdomen along with fever and jaundice. And at times it may descend further and cause obstruction of the pancreatic duct causing severe pain in the upper abdomen which may radiate to the back. An ultrasound scan of the abdomen and a liver function test may be done to assess the status of the gallstones. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr.R.K