Why does cholecystitis cause stomach pain?
Nov 05, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Lei
Introduction
In general, the main reasons why cholecystitis causes stomach pain include neural reflex effects, spread of inflammatory stimulation, abnormal bile secretion, gastrointestinal dysfunction, and confusion in pain localization. If discomfort symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation and treatment at a正规 hospital. In daily life, one should maintain regular eating habits, avoid overeating or prolonged fasting, and reduce intake of high-fat and high-cholesterol foods.
Under normal circumstances, the main reasons gallbladder inflammation causes stomach pain include neural reflex effects, spread of inflammatory stimulation, abnormal bile excretion, gastrointestinal dysfunction, and confusion in pain location. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation and treatment at a正规 hospital. The detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Neural Reflex Effects
The gallbladder and stomach are innervated by the same group of nerves. During a gallbladder inflammation episode, inflammatory stimuli from the gallbladder area can trigger reflexes transmitted through nerves, causing pain in the stomach region. This type of pain is mostly referred pain; patients often feel discomfort in the upper abdomen and may mistakenly believe it is caused by a stomach condition.
2. Spread of Inflammatory Stimulation
If gallbladder inflammation is not promptly controlled, the inflammation may spread to surrounding tissues, affecting the stomach wall or nearby ligaments. Inflammatory factors can stimulate the gastric mucosa, leading to gastric spasms or dull pain, and may be accompanied by symptoms such as nausea and belching that resemble common stomach discomfort.
3. Abnormal Bile Excretion
When the gallbladder becomes inflamed, its ability to store and release bile is impaired, preventing bile from entering the intestines normally to aid digestion. Excess bile may reflux into the stomach, disrupting the gastric mucosal barrier and irritating the lining, resulting in pain. This may also present with symptoms such as acid reflux and heartburn.
4. Gastrointestinal Dysfunction
An episode of gallbladder inflammation can affect the overall function of the digestive system, leading to disordered gastrointestinal motility. Slowed gastric peristalsis prolongs food retention in the stomach, increasing intragastric pressure and causing bloating and pain. Some patients may also experience reduced appetite and indigestion.
5. Confusion in Pain Location
The gallbladder is located in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen, close to the stomach. Pain from gallbladder inflammation may radiate to the upper abdomen, overlapping with the typical location of stomach pain. Patients often find it difficult to accurately identify the source of pain and may mistake gallbladder-related pain for stomach pain, leading to misdiagnosis.
In daily life, it's important to maintain regular eating habits, avoid overeating or prolonged fasting, and reduce intake of high-fat and high-cholesterol foods to prevent stimulating gallbladder contractions that could trigger inflammation. If upper abdominal pain occurs frequently, prompt medical consultation is necessary to determine the underlying cause and prevent delayed treatment.
