The gallbladder stores bile from the liver. When meals are consumed, the gallbladder sends bile out to the small intestines to assist with digestion of fats. When gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis) or gallstones develop, the flow of bile is blocked and a gallbladder attack may occur. There are a wide range of symptoms of gallbladder attack.
Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea and/or vomiting is a symptom of a gallbladder attack. The vomiting may be intense and ongoing. Sudden vomiting after meals can also occur. The vomiting may induce a feeling of weakness, occurring sporadically for weeks or longer.
Back Pain
Back pain is another symptom of a gallbladder attack. The pain may be felt in the upper back between the shoulder blades. The pain will be consistent and strong.
Abdominal Pain
Abdominal pain is a common symptom of a gallbladder attack. The pain will center in the top right side of the abdomen. The pain may be extreme and consistent, persisting anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours. It may become so intense that it is difficult to stand upright.
Pain Under Right Arm
Pain under the right arm is another classic symptom of a gallbladder attack, notes MedlinePlus, a website of the National Institutes of Health. This pain will be steady, sometimes arising suddenly and intensifying as the gallbladder attack continues.
Jaundice
Jaundice may occur when a gallbladder attack occurs due to bile backup. The whites of the eyes and the skin may take on a yellow tinge as the jaundice occurs. The stools may also turn the color of clay.
Fever and Chills
Patients with an irritated gallbladder may experience fever and chills due to infection in the bile duct. As the gallbladder attack begins these symptoms may intensify. A low-grade fever may be the first sign of an upcoming gallbladder attack.
