10 Biliary Colic Symptoms

By sarah-jane

Reviewed: dr. stavarache

Article Sources

Article Sources

• 1. Sigmon, David F., et al. 'Biliary Colic - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf.' National Center for Biotechnology Information, 20 Nov. 2020, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430772/
• 2. 'Gallstones Symptoms and Treatment.' NHS Inform - Scottish Health Information You Can Trust | NHS Inform, www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/stomach-liver-and-gastrointestinal-tract/gallstones
• 3. 'Referred Shoulder Pain.' University of Michigan | Michigan Medicine, www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/aa58029
• 4. 'Diagnosing Biliary Colic and Acute Cholecystitis.' AAFP American Academy of Family Physicians, 15 Sept. 2000, www.aafp.org/afp/2000/0915/p1386.html
• 5. 'Nausea: a Review of Pathophysiology and Therapeutics.' PubMed Central (PMC), www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4699282/
• 6. 'Biliary Colic and Complications from Gallstones.' Best Practice Advocacy Centre New Zealand, bpac.org.nz/bpj/2014/june/gallstones.aspx

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Biliary colic is pain in the abdomen and commonly caused by a biliary tract blockage. This tract is the network of vessels that move digestive juices from the gallbladder, liver and pancreas to the small intestine. Blockages can occur in the cystic duct, which connects the gallbladder with the common bile duct, or the common bile duct, which runs through the pancreas to the small intestine.

Obstructions in biliary ducts are commonly caused by gallstones or bile duct stones. These stones are the result of a buildup of hardened cholesterol or bile salts and must be removed surgically.¹Sigmon, David F., et al. ‘Biliary Colic - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf.’ National Center for Biotechnology Information, 20 Nov. 2020, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430772/

Abdominal Pain

Pain in the abdomen is a common symptom of biliary colic. Pain typically presents in the upper right section of the abdomen, or tummy. It's common for pain to occur underneath the ribs. The pain can feel sharp, colicky or like a constant dull ache.

Some people find that biliary colic pain occurs after eating a large and fatty meal. Fatty foods can cause the gallbladder to contract, which can lead to pain if there's an obstruction in a duct. The pain usually comes on suddenly, and can last for several hours.²‘Gallstones Symptoms and Treatment.’ NHS Inform - Scottish Health Information You Can Trust | NHS Inform, www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/stomach-liver-and-gastrointestinal-tract/gallstones