The gall bladder is a small organ that rests on the liver. A nonessential organ, the gall bladder's central function is the storage of bile, which is a substance used in digestion. Frequently, however tiny this organ may be, it can become the cause of a great deal of pain. Gall bladder diseases can cause nausea, digestive complications, and sudden abdominal pain which can linger for hours.

In the majority of cases of gall bladder pain, the root cause is gall stones. According to the National Institutes of Health, gall stones are solid deposits of either cholesterol or pigment. There are a few uncontrollable factors that increase the risk of developing gall stones: age (older people face a greater risk), gender (women develop gall stones twice as often as men), and a family history of gall stones.

However, certain factors in the development of gall bladder pain are manageable. There are a few steps that a person can take in reducing the risk of developing gall stones. Both obesity and under-eating or rapid weight loss can contribute to the development of gall stones. As such, one of the simplest ways to reduce the risk of gall stones is to maintain a healthy balanced diet.

Healthy eating can play a major role in preventing and reducing gall bladder pain. Highly fatty or greasy foods can frequently trigger gall bladder pain shortly after eating. Also, since most gall stones are cholesterol-based, diets that are low in cholesterol can work to prevent them. It can be very helpful to limit the intake of foods that tend to be high in saturated fat such as red meat, dairy products, and junk food, which tend to increase the body's blood cholesterol levels. Ideally, the recommended daily intake of fat should come from unsaturated fats in healthy sources like olive oil, nuts, and certain varieties of fish.

In addition to a balanced diet, getting regular exercise can help to control cholesterol levels and the risk of gall stones and gall bladder pain. The Penn State University Medical Center suggests avoiding excessive alcohol consumption, as this can aid in the development of gall stones or in aggravating their symptoms.

For gall stones that cause attacks or are otherwise significant in size, there are a few medical treatment options. The gall bladder is a non-vital part of the body and the most common treatment for gall stones is the removal of the gall bladder. Gall bladder removal surgery is one of the most frequently performed procedures; today, it is usually a minor laparoscopic procedure involving small incisions. Nonsurgical treatments for gall stones have also developed. These generally involve taking medication which can dissolve the stones over time.

Gall bladder pain can be significant and it is usually the result of gall stones which often require treatment. If you ever believe you have gall stones or if you have any questions about them, consult your doctor.

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