Can Gallbladder Inflammation Cause Pain in Upper Left and Lower Right Abdomen?

Cholecystitis can cause pain in the upper left abdomen, lower right abdomen, and right abdomen?

Dear Dr.
Tsai,
I recently had an abdominal ultrasound, and the doctor diagnosed me with gallstones and an enlarged gallbladder, suggesting that I should undergo surgery for chronic cholecystitis.
However, over the past three months, I have frequently felt a sensation of a foreign body in my throat (not to the point of nausea), and I experience pain in the left upper abdomen (which I believe is the stomach area), the right lower abdomen, and the right side of my abdomen (around the area from the right of my navel to my waist).
The pain level is about four out of ten, not extremely painful, and sometimes it radiates to my back, while the right upper abdomen has relatively few symptoms.

Can cholecystitis cause pain in the left upper abdomen, right lower abdomen, and right abdomen? Is it possible that my current symptoms are related to issues with my stomach and intestines?

Niming, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/01/08

Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Hello, in cases of gallbladder distension, the area of pain may expand, or gallbladder dysfunction can lead to indigestion, causing discomfort in other areas as well.
Additionally, the presence of other concurrent issues should also be considered.
It is recommended to follow up with a gastroenterologist for a detailed diagnosis.
Changhua Hospital is concerned about your health.
Dr.
Tsai An-shun.

Reply Date: 2022/01/08

More Info

Gallbladder inflammation, or cholecystitis, can indeed cause pain in various areas of the abdomen, including the upper left and lower right quadrants, although it is more commonly associated with pain in the right upper quadrant. The symptoms you are experiencing, including discomfort in the left upper abdomen and lower right abdomen, may be related to your gallbladder condition, but they could also indicate other gastrointestinal issues.

Cholecystitis typically presents with pain in the right upper quadrant, which may radiate to the back or right shoulder. However, the pain can sometimes be referred to other areas due to the complex innervation of the abdominal organs. The gallbladder is located beneath the liver on the right side, and inflammation can irritate surrounding structures, leading to discomfort that may be felt in the left upper abdomen or even the lower right abdomen.

In your case, the presence of gallstones and an enlarged gallbladder suggests that your gallbladder is not functioning properly, which can lead to chronic inflammation. This inflammation can cause a variety of symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. The sensation of a foreign body in your throat may also be related to gastrointestinal distress, which can occur alongside gallbladder issues.

Additionally, the pain you describe in the left upper abdomen could potentially be related to gastric issues, such as gastritis or peptic ulcers, especially if you have a history of gastrointestinal problems. The lower right abdominal pain could also be indicative of appendicitis or other conditions affecting the intestines, such as diverticulitis or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Given your symptoms and the findings from your abdominal ultrasound, it is crucial to follow up with your healthcare provider. They may recommend further diagnostic tests, such as a CT scan or MRI, to better understand the underlying cause of your pain and to rule out any other serious conditions. If your gallbladder is indeed inflamed and causing recurrent pain, surgical intervention, such as a cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal), may be necessary to alleviate your symptoms and prevent complications.

In summary, while gallbladder inflammation can cause pain in various areas of the abdomen, including the left upper and lower right quadrants, it is essential to consider other potential gastrointestinal issues as well. Consulting with your physician for a comprehensive evaluation and appropriate management is the best course of action to address your symptoms effectively.

Similar Q&A

Left Side Abdominal Pain: Is It Kidney Stones or Gallstones?

The persistent pain under the left rib cage could be related to either kidney stones or gallstones. The pain tends to worsen after eating a large or rich meal, which initially led you to believe it was gastric pain. However, upon further research, it seems more aligned with galls...

Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
The gallbladder is located in the right upper abdomen, so your issue is likely not related to the gallbladder. The most common cause of pain in the left upper abdomen is the stomach, so an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is recommended. Other less common causes may include the p...

Understanding Symptoms: Spleen Inflammation vs. Gallstones

The symptoms of left upper abdominal pain radiating to the back, accompanied by vomiting, belching, and occasional dizziness that lasts for a few minutes, could indicate either splenic inflammation or gallstones. However, these symptoms are more commonly associated with gallbladd...

Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Left upper abdominal pain with vomiting, belching, and dizziness. Differential diagnoses include esophageal, gastric, and duodenal diseases, as well as pancreatic disorders. Splenic enlargement due to various reasons (such as infections or hematologic diseases) can sometim...

Understanding Right Lower Abdominal Pain After Gallbladder Surgery

Hello, Dr. Hsieh. I underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy in July of last year, but since early February of this year, I have been experiencing persistent pain in the lower right abdomen. I have already undergone ultrasound and blood tests, both of which were normal. Due to a hi...

Dr. Xie Rongyuan reply Internal Medicine
1. When abdominal pain occurs, it is generally necessary to go to the hospital for examination to determine the cause, as there are many organs in the abdominal cavity. Right lower abdominal pain could be due to appendicitis, ureteral stones, intestinal obstruction, or enteritis;...

Understanding Right Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Treatment Options

I've been experiencing pain in my lower right abdomen for the past couple of days, and it hurts even more when I take a deep breath. What could this possibly indicate? I've had two episodes of gallbladder pain that required emergency care in the past two months, and I h...

Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, if you are experiencing recurrent pain from gallstones, it is recommended to undergo cholecystectomy, as there are no other effective treatments. Gallbladder pain typically manifests in the right upper abdomen, while pain in the right lower abdomen may have other causes; i...