Gallbladder pain is one of the most searched pain topics online for good reason: it’s common, often severe, and can be hard to distinguish from other abdominal issues. Here’s everything you need to know.
Where Is Gallbladder Pain?
Classic gallbladder pain sits in the upper right quadrant of your abdomen — just below the right rib cage. It can radiate to the right shoulder blade and may feel like intense pressure, cramping, or a sharp stabbing sensation. It often worsens after fatty meals.
What Causes It?
Most gallbladder pain comes from gallstones — hardened deposits of cholesterol or bile salts that can block the bile duct. When the gallbladder contracts to release bile after eating, a stone can get stuck at the duct opening, causing the characteristic pain attack (called biliary colic).
How Long Does an Attack Last?
A typical gallbladder attack lasts 30 minutes to a few hours. Pain that lasts more than 6 hours, is accompanied by fever, or includes yellowing of the skin (jaundice) requires emergency care — this may indicate cholecystitis (gallbladder infection).
Home Comfort Measures
During an attack: avoid eating (especially fat), apply a warm compress to the area, and try a position of comfort (many find lying on the left side helpful). Peppermint tea has some evidence for reducing bile duct spasm.
When to Go to the ER
Go immediately if: pain lasts more than 6 hours, you have fever or chills, your skin or eyes look yellow, or you’re vomiting repeatedly. Acute cholecystitis is a surgical emergency.