Why do gallstones cause pain at 3-4 AM?
Apr 13, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Jin Zhongkui
Introduction
In general, pain caused by gallstones may result from physiological or pathological factors, such as gallbladder contraction or bile duct dilation. The bile duct may dilate at night, which could cause gallstones to become lodged in the duct and trigger pain. In addition to these reasons, the pain might also be related to biliary colic. Patients with gallstones who frequently experience pain should seek timely treatment.
In general, pain caused by gallstones may result from either physiological or pathological factors, such as gallbladder contraction or bile duct dilation. The specific analysis is as follows:
I. Physiological Factors
1. Dietary Habits
Around 3 to 4 a.m., the body is typically in a state of hunger. Some individuals may eat during the night, especially consuming high-fat or high-cholesterol foods, which can stimulate gallbladder contraction and trigger biliary colic.
2. Vagal Nerve Excitation
During nighttime, the vagus nerve becomes more active while sympathetic nervous activity decreases, leading to gallbladder contraction and bile discharge, which may cause pain.
II. Pathological Factors
1. Gallbladder Contraction
The gallbladder may contract at night, particularly between 3 and 4 a.m., due to circadian regulation of gallbladder contractions and bile duct motility. This contraction may push gallstones toward the gallbladder outlet or into the bile ducts, causing pain.
2. Bile Duct Dilation
The bile ducts may dilate at night, potentially causing gallstones to become lodged within the duct and induce pain.
Besides the above reasons, gallstone pain occurring in the early morning hours may also be related to biliary colic. Patients with gallstones who frequently experience pain should seek timely medical treatment.
