Frequent Right upper Abdominal Pain?Don’t Ignore It.

It could be a sign of gallstones.

Gallstones are hard, stone-like deposits that form inside the gallbladder, most commonly from cholesterol or bilirubin. They can be as small as grains of sand or much larger. Some people have gallstones without any symptoms, while others experience painful gallbladder attacks when a stone blocks the bile ducts.

Where Is Gallstone Pain Located?

Gallstone pain is commonly felt in the upper right side of the abdomen, just below the ribs. The pain may also occur in the center of the upper abdomen and can spread to the back or right shoulder.

A gallbladder attack may last from several minutes to several hours and can occur after eating, particularly after a heavy or fatty meal.

Common Signs and Symptoms

Gallstones may cause:

• Pain in the upper right abdomen

• Sudden or intense abdominal pain

• Pain after meals

• Pain that may spread to the back or right shoulder

• Nausea or vomiting

• Bloating or digestive discomfort

Some gallstones are “silent”, meaning they do not cause symptoms and may be discovered during an imaging test for another reason.

Why Are Younger People Getting Gallstones?

Gallstones are not only a condition seen in older adults. Younger people can also develop them when certain risk factors are present.

These can include overweight or obesity, rapid weight loss, certain dieting patterns, a diet high in refined carbohydrates or unhealthy fats, diabetes or insulin resistance, family history, pregnancy, and some medications containing estrogen.

Rapid weight loss is particularly important to consider. Very restrictive diets, prolonged fasting, or losing weight too quickly can increase the risk of gallstones.

What Should You Do?

If you are experiencing repeated upper-right abdominal pain, nausea, or pain after meals, get checked by a doctor rather than assuming it is simple indigestion.

A healthcare professional may evaluate your symptoms and medical history and use blood tests and imaging, such as an abdominal ultrasound, to look for gallstones and possible complications.

Treatment depends on whether the gallstones are causing symptoms or complications. Gallstones that do not cause symptoms often do not require treatment, while symptomatic gallstones may require further treatment, commonly including gallbladder removal surgery.

🚨 When Should You Seek Urgent Medical Care?

Seek medical attention promptly if abdominal pain lasts for several hours or is accompanied by fever or chills, repeated vomiting, or yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice). These can indicate complications involving the gallbladder, bile ducts, liver, or pancreas.

Get Checked Today

Frequent right upper abdominal pain should not be ignored. Early evaluation can help identify gallstones and determine the appropriate next step before complications develop.

For digestive health evaluation, visit Abu Hammour Gastroenterology Center in Dubai Healthcare City.

📍 Abu Hammour Gastroenterology Center – Dubai Healthcare City
📞 04 363 5353
✨ Your digestive health. Our priority.

Get checked today.