Can gallstones cause pain in left side as well?

Answer 1

=== === Between 1 - 3% of people with symptomatic gallstones develop inflammation in the gallbladder (acute cholecystitis), which occurs when stones or sludge block the duct. The symptoms are similar to those of biliary colic but are more persistent and severe. They include the following: * Pain in the upper right abdomen that is severe and constant, and may last for days. Pain frequently increases when drawing a breath. * Pain may also radiate to the back or occur under the shoulder blades, behind the breast bone, or on the left side. * About a third of patients have fever and chills. * Nausea and vomiting may occur. Anyone who experiences such symptoms should seek medical attention. Acute cholecystitis can progress to gangrene or perforation of the gallbladder if left untreated. Infection develops in about 20% of acute cholecystitis, which increases the danger from this condition. People with Diabetes are at particular risk for serious complications.

Answer 2

The main reason gallstones may cause pain in the left side is because the bile duct joins the pancreatic duct. If a stone obstructs that area, you may have pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), due to pancreatic juice being unable to get out and attacking the pancreas itself. Because the pancreas is on the left side, you may feel pain on the left side.

Many doctors don't think of this and are likely to diagnose gastritis because the patient is reporting pain on the "wrong" side, or on both sides. There's also a misperception that pancreatitis can only be a severe problem, when in fact, the same as the usual gallbladder attacks on the right side, depending on the size of the stone, how long it's been causing an obstruction, and whether the obstruction is total or partial, the inflammation can be anything from very mild to very severe and life-threatening.

If you have the usual symptoms of gallstones, especially pale stools and gas, but your pain is on the left side or on both sides, you'd do well to remind your doctor that it can still be gallstones, and to check for this possibility.

Answer 3

Yes, some pain can radiate. For example, many people having heart attcks feel pain in their arm or back instead of their chest.

Answer 4

I had Gallstones it hurts really bad in your lower back

Answer 5

Yes, it can, but you will need to be tested to be sure that's what it is.