What is Biliary Colic ?
Biliary colic is a sudden, intense abdominal pain caused by a temporary blockage in the bile ducts, usually due to gallstones. It often occurs after eating fatty meals and can last from minutes to hours.
Symptoms of Biliary Colic
- 1. Severe pain in the upper right or middle abdomen
- 2. Pain radiating to the right shoulder or back
- 3. Pain lasting minutes to hours, often triggered by fatty meals
- 4. Nausea and vomiting
- 5. Abdominal tenderness
- 6. Bloating and indigestion
- 7. Sweating or restlessness during an attack
Understanding the Impacts of Biliary Colic on Your Health
The main impact of biliary colic is severe, sudden abdominal pain, often triggered by fatty meals, due to temporary bile duct blockage by gallstones. This can disrupt daily activities, causing discomfort, nausea, vomiting, and digestive issues. If left unmanaged, hidden complications may arise, including chronic gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis), bile duct infection (cholangitis), or even pancreatitis, which can lead to serious health risks. Recurrent episodes may signal gallbladder dysfunction, requiring lifestyle changes, medication, or removal to prevent complications.
Consult Our Gastroenterologist
- Dr. Mohammed Shaheer Pandara Arakkal, MBBS, MRCP(UK), MRCP... : Gastroenterologist specializing in biliary colic and digestive disorders. Book Appointment
- Dr. Pham Van Hoai, MBBS : Board-certified gastroenterologist specializing in biliary colic and digestive health. Book Appointment
- Dr. Hossam Aldin Mostafa, Diploma GIT, Endosco... : Experienced gastroenterologist known for a compassionate approach to biliary colic and digestive care. Book Appointment
Importance and Benefits of Consulting a Gastroenterologist Online
Consulting a gastroenterologist is crucial, as biliary colic is primarily caused by gallstones blocking the bile ducts, leading to severe abdominal pain and digestive discomfort. Regions with high gallstone prevalence, such as South America—particularly Chile and Mexico—experience a greater number of cases. Studies highlight Chile as having a notably high gallstone occurrence, making these countries among the most affected by biliary colic.
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FAQ
Biliary colic is primarily caused by gallstones temporarily blocking the bile ducts, preventing the normal flow of bile from the gallbladder to the small intestine. This obstruction leads to increased pressure within the biliary system, triggering sudden and intense pain, usually after consuming fatty or heavy meals. Other contributing factors include a high-fat diet, obesity, rapid weight loss, certain medical conditions like diabetes, and genetic predisposition. In some cases, sludge or thickened bile can also contribute to biliary colic by partially obstructing the ducts.
A biliary colic attack typically lasts from a few minutes to several hours, with pain usually peaking within an hour. The discomfort may gradually subside once the gallstone moves or the bile duct obstruction resolves. However, if the blockage persists or leads to complications like inflammation or infection, the pain can last longer and require medical attention.
Treatment for biliary colic focuses on symptom relief, preventing recurrence, and addressing the underlying cause, usually gallstones. Pain management involves using NSAIDs or antispasmodics, while dietary changes, such as avoiding fatty foods, help reduce gallbladder stimulation. In some cases, bile acid medications may be prescribed to dissolve small gallstones. For recurrent or severe cases, gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy) is the most effective long-term solution, often performed laparoscopically. If gallstones obstruct the bile ducts, procedures like endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) may be required for removal. Consulting a gastroenterologist is essential to determine the best treatment approach based on the severity of symptoms and underlying conditions.
It's important to consult a doctor if you experience recurrent or intense upper right abdominal pain, particularly following fatty meals. Seek immediate medical care if the pain persists for several hours or is accompanied by symptoms like fever, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), nausea, vomiting, or chills, as these may indicate serious complications such as gallbladder inflammation, infection, or bile duct blockage. If symptoms of biliary colic continue or worsen, visiting a gastroenterologist is essential to diagnose the condition and prevent any severe health issues.