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Biliary colic is a common symptom of gallbladder disease, causing upper abdominal pain that can last up to five hours. It occurs when bile ducts are blocked by gallstones, causing distention, pain, and nausea. Treatment includes dietary changes, medication, or surgery to remove the gallbladder.
Biliary colic is the most common symptom of gallbladder disease, appearing in over three-quarters of patients who develop symptoms. It takes the form of upper abdominal pain that can last half an hour or more, with some patients experiencing up to five hours of usually steadily increasing pain. In fact, the term “colic” is a bit of a misnomer, because colic is a pain that waxes and wanes, rather than staying consistent.
This symptom occurs when the bile ducts are suddenly blocked by a gallstone. Fluid begins to back up into the duct or gallbladder, causing distention and pain, and the duct also contracts violently in an attempt to push the stone out. The pain will persist until the gallstones are cleared. Typically, this type of colic has its onset in the wake of a meal, as the liver is stimulated to produce more bile. Once someone experiences an episode of biliary colic, they are likely to repeat it, because the symptom indicates that gallstones are forming.
Someone with biliary colic may experience nausea, vomiting, cramping, and chest pain. The pain from the gallbladder attack, as it is sometimes called biliary colic, can radiate to other areas of the body. Because several conditions can cause similar symptoms, a doctor will usually carefully examine and interview the patient to confirm that the symptom is indeed biliary colic and that it is indeed caused by gallstones.
Treatment approaches usually begin with the management of gallstones. The patient may be given dietary recommendations designed to reduce the gallstones, and medications may be given to help break up the gallstones. Other medical treatments may also be used in an attempt to break up gallstones so they can be passed out of the body.
If biliary colic recurs or becomes more severe, the patient may need to have a cholecystectomy to remove the gallbladder. In this procedure, which is usually done laparoscopically, the surgeon takes out the gallbladder so that it can no longer form gallstones or become blocked. Following a gallbladder removal, the patient may need to make some changes to their diet, as the lack of a gallbladder makes it more difficult to digest fats.
Abdominal pain can be a difficult and complicated symptom, as it can shift or its origins may be unclear. Patients should understand that it can take time to narrow down and confirm the cause of the abdominal pain, even though the interviews and tests can seem frustrating and time consuming. Doctors want to make sure they diagnose the problem correctly so that pain is minimized in the long run.
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