Gallstones (cholelithiasis) This is a condition in which small stones, or sometimes larger ones, develop inside the gallbladder. These stones form from substances found in bile, including cholesterol and a pigment called bilirubin. Gallbladder pain can be sudden, intense, and severe. The most common reason for the pain is gallstones, hardened deposits of digestive fluid that can form inside your gallbladder. Inflammation or infection of your gallbladder are other possible culprits.

The pain is usually felt in your upper right abdomen but can spread to your upper back or shoulder blade. Some people also experience pain in the center of their abdomen, just below their breastbone. This discomfort can last several minutes to a few hours.

Inflammation of your gallbladder, a condition called cholecystitis, commonly happens when gallstones block the tube leading out of your gallbladder. This produces bile buildup, which can cause inflammation.

Other conditions can also trigger inflammation of your gallbladder, including: tumors, serious illnesses, bile duct problems, certain infections. Gallstone ileus is rare but can be fatal. It occurs when a gallstone migrates to the intestine and blocks it. Often, emergency surgery is needed to clear the blockage.

A gallbladder infection is another condition that can occur when a gallstone causes an obstruction. When the bile builds up, it can become infected and lead to a rupture or abscess

You should call your doctor if you have any symptoms of gallbladder pain that concern you.

Certain complications of a gallstone attack can be serious or life threatening. You should seek immediate medical care if you develop:

• Severe abdominal pain
• Yellowing or discoloration of your skin or whites of your eyes
• High fever with chills

Some gallbladder problems, like simple gallstones that are not blocking the bile ducts, often cause no symptoms at all. They’re most often discovered during an X-ray or CT scan that’s performed to diagnose a different condition, or even during abdominal surgery. If you spot any symptoms of gallbladder trouble, see your doctor for a diagnosis and prompt treatment to get your digestive tract running smoothly again.