You should only take an NSAID, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, in consultation with your doctor. These medications can upset your stomach, which could end up worsening your gallbladder pain. If over-the-counter medications aren’t effective, your doctor might prescribe an antispasmodic drug, which relaxes the gallbladder. [2] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Family Physicians Organization devoted to improving the health of patients, families, and communities Go to source Take any medication as directed by your doctor or according to the label’s instructions.
Stand up and try to walk around after using the warm compress. Apply it every 2 to 3 hours during a flare-up.
Use a warm castor oil application once a day for 3 days.
While it’s generally safe, you should still consult your doctor before trying turmeric tea or a turmeric supplement in tablet form. Turmeric and other herbs may rapidly empty the gallbladder. While this increased bile flow might help relieve pain, it could lead to a bile duct blockage or other complications. Check with your doctor to stay on the safe side. [8] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
Sports drinks also work for this, as long as you’re only drinking a little bit at a time.
You can find over-the-counter betaine hydrochloride online or at your local pharmacy. Ask your doctor if supplemental hydrochloride is right for you. Don’t take it if you have a history of heartburn, acid reflux, gastritis, or stomach ulcers. Stop using it if you feel a burning sensation in your stomach. [11] X Research source
While 8 cups (1. 9 L) is a general guideline, you’ll need to drink more in hot weather or during exercise. If you’re sweating a lot or working outdoors in the heat, try to drink 16 to 32 fl oz (470 to 950 mL) per hour.
If you’ve recently had gallbladder surgery or are on a special diet, check with your doctor about how much fiber is safe to consume. [14] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source
Sources of vitamin C include other citrus fruits, such as grapefruit, as well as kiwi, strawberries, and red and green bell peppers. You could also ask your doctor about taking a daily vitamin C supplement. Keep in mind your body absorbs nutrients from foods better than supplements.
Refined carbs and added sugars are associated with an increased risk for gallstones.
Healthy fats are important, as eliminating fat from your diet can actually increase the risk for gallstones. While healthy fats are important, it’s also critical to avoid bad fats such as saturated and trans fats, as these can stimulate the gallbladder and can increase any pain you are already feeling. Fried foods, foods made with margarine, fatty cuts of beef and pork, chicken skin, lard, and other bad fats should all be avoided. [19] X Expert Source Joshua Ellenhorn, MDBoard Certified General Surgeon & Surgical Oncologist Expert Interview. 28 April 2020. Additionally, check your labels for dietary cholesterol content. Most adults should consume no more than 300 mg of dietary cholesterol per day. In some cases, your doctor may recommend a daily value of 100 mg or less.
If you’re overweight or obese, losing weight gradually can benefit your gallbladder. Aim to lose no more than 5 to 10% of your starting weight over a 6-month period.
Serious symptoms include pain that’s so severe you can’t sit up or move your stomach, fever, chills, and yellowing of the skin or eyes. If you suspect you have gallbladder issues, you should talk to your doctor before trying to treat it on your own.
While gallstones are a common cause of pain in the upper right abdomen, your symptoms could be related to an infection, bile duct blockage, or other issue. Treatment options for gallstones and bile blockages include surgical removal of the gallbladder, endoscopic (non-surgical) removal of stones, medications that dissolve the stones, and sound wave therapy, which breaks up the stones. [23] X Expert Source Joshua Ellenhorn, MDBoard Certified General Surgeon & Surgical Oncologist Expert Interview. 28 April 2020. If you have a gallbladder infection, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics. For a severe infection, your gallbladder may have to be removed. [24] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source
Following surgery, your doctor might put you on a liquid diet to help your gallbladder rest. For both surgical and non-surgical treatments, you’ll likely need to stick to a low-cholesterol, gallbladder-friendly diet indefinitely. After gallbladder surgery, you might experience more frequent bowel movements and diarrhea. Changes in bowel movements are usually temporary.
