Gallbladder Attacks

Gallbladder Attacks

As Helen learned, gallstones can be present for years before causing any problems, but once an attack does occur, chances of future attacks increase dramatically. "Most gallbladder attacks are the result of a stone getting lodged in the small duct leading from the gallbladder to the small intestine." The result usually is intense pain felt in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen (sometimes radiating up into the area of the right shoulder) as pressure within the gallbladder begins to build in response to this blockage. If the stone becomes dislodged, which in most cases it does, the pain passes. But if it does not and appropriate treatment is not sought, the result can be fever, jaundice, liver complications, and sometimes even death if the gallbladder bursts, spilling its toxic contents into the bloodstream.