What Causes Pain from Gallstones?
Feb 21, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Chen Dongfeng
Introduction
Pain caused by gallstones typically results from biliary colic. Overeating, consuming fatty foods, or changing body position during sleep can cause gallstones to shift, triggering intense gallbladder contractions. Additionally, heightened vagal nerve activity at night increases the likelihood of stone impaction in the gallbladder’s infundibulum or neck.
Gallstones predominantly occur in adults, with a higher prevalence in women than in men; incidence increases with age, particularly after age 40. Gallstones are typically cholesterol stones, mixed stones predominantly composed of cholesterol, or black pigment stones. But what causes the pain associated with gallstones? The following section addresses this question.
What Causes Pain from Gallstones?
Pain resulting from gallstones is usually due to biliary colic. This occurs when gallstones become lodged—often triggered by overeating, consuming fatty foods, or changes in body position during sleep—causing stone migration or intense gallbladder contraction. Additionally, heightened vagal nerve activity at night predisposes individuals to stone impaction at the gallbladder infundibulum or neck. Such obstruction impedes gallbladder emptying, leading to a sharp rise in intraluminal pressure and forceful gallbladder contractions, thereby precipitating biliary colic.
The pain is typically localized to the right upper quadrant or epigastrium, presenting as either paroxysmal or persistent discomfort that intensifies intermittently. It may radiate to the right scapular region or back and is often accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Due to its severity, patients may be unable to precisely localize the pain.
Following the first episode of biliary colic, more than half of affected individuals experience recurrence within one year.
The above outlines the underlying causes of gallstone-related pain. We hope this information is helpful to you.
