Written by Dr. Bharat Pothuri, MD, FACG

Gas Pain vs Gallstones: How to Tell the Difference

Is it gas pain or gallstones? Understanding the difference can save you discomfort, worry, and even emergency room trips. At Gastrodoxs Houston, led by Dr. Bharat Pothuri, we see patients every day who confuse one for the other. In this post, we’ll break down the key signs, symptoms, and steps you can take to know exactly what’s happening in your body.

Quote from Dr. Bharat Pothuri:
“Gas pain and gallstones can feel alike, but their causes and treatments differ,” says Dr. Pothuri, board-certified gastroenterologist at Gastrodoxs. “With clear signs and simple tests, we help Houston locals find fast relief.”

Table of Contents

1. What Is Gas Pain?
2. What Are Gallstones?
3. Signs of Gas Pain vs Gallstones
4. Gas Pain Symptoms vs Gallstones
5. How Gas Pain and Gallstones Affect Your Digestive System
6. When to See a Doctor in Houston
7. Diagnosis and Tests at Gastrodoxs
8. Treatment Options
9. Prevention Tips

Section 1: What Is Gas Pain?

burping or passing stool. But sometimes, gas builds up and stretches your intestines. That stretching causes cramp-like pains.

Common Causes of Gas Pain

• Swallowing air while eating or drinking
• Drinking carbonated beverages
• Chewing gum and smoking
• Eating high-fiber foods like beans and broccoli
• Food intolerances (lactose, fructose)

Typical Locations

• Upper belly (just below the ribs)
• Lower belly (around the navel)

Duration

• Minutes to a few hours
• Pain often comes and goes in waves

Section 2: What Are Gallstones?

Gallstones are hardened deposits of digestive fluid that form in your gallbladder. This small organ sits under your liver on the right side of your body. When gallstones block a bile duct, you’ll feel intense pain called a “biliary colic.”

Types of Gallstones

• Cholesterol stones (most common)
• Pigment stones (made of bilirubin)

Risk Factors

• Female gender
• Over age 40
• Obesity
• Rapid weight loss
• Family history

Typical Locations

• Right upper belly (under the ribs)
• Sometimes radiates to the back or right shoulder

Duration

• 30 minutes to several hours
• Comes on suddenly and stays constant

Section 3: Signs of Gas Pain vs Gallstones

Use this quick comparison to spot the difference.

Gas Pain

• Crampy, moving pain
• Often relieved by burping or passing gas
• Linked to meals but not always severe
• No fever, chills, or jaundice (yellow skin)

Gallstones

• Steady, intense pain (“colicky”)
• Often follows a fatty meal
• May come with nausea or vomiting
• Possible fever, chills, jaundice

Pro tip from Dr. Pothuri:
“If your pain makes you bend forward to find relief, think gas. If you double over and can’t find comfort, we look for gallstones.”

Section 4: Gas Pain Symptoms vs Gallstones

Gas Pain Symptoms

• Bloating or feeling full
• Sharp, jabbing pains that move around
• Sudden need to pass gas
• Mild discomfort to moderate pain
• No lasting damage

Gallstone Symptoms

• Severe, constant pain under the right rib cage
• Pain may radiate to back or right shoulder blade
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fever or chills (if infection sets in)
• Yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice)

Short story from Gastrodoxs Houston patient:
“Last month, I thought I had gas after a big taco dinner. But when I couldn’t sleep and kept clutching my right side, I called Gastrodoxs. Dr. Pothuri ran an ultrasound and found gallstones. I’m feeling great now after surgery!”

Section 5: How Gas Pain and Gallstones Affect Your Digestive System

How Gas Pain Affects Digestion

• Gas stretches your intestines
• Can slow down bowel movements temporarily
• No long-term damage unless linked to IBS or food intolerances

How Gallstones Affect Digestion

• Block bile flow from the gallbladder
• Bile helps digest fats; blockage leads to fat malabsorption
• Can trigger inflammation (cholecystitis) or infection
• Long-term risk of gallbladder disease or pancreatitis

Quote from Dr. Bharat Pothuri:
“Gallstones aren’t just painful—they can trigger serious issues if untreated. Early detection at our Houston office helps prevent complications.”

Section 6: When to See a Doctor in Houston

Gas Pain—Call Your Doctor If:

• Pain lasts more than 24 hours
• You have bloody stools or vomit
• Fever over 100.4 degree F (38 degree C)
• Unexplained weight loss
• Severe pain that disrupts sleep

Gallstones—Seek Immediate Care If:

• Pain lasts over 5 hours
• Jaundice appears (yellow skin/eyes)
• High fever or chills
• Severe nausea and vomiting
• Signs of pancreatitis (upper belly pain radiating to back)

Gastrodoxs is conveniently located near the Texas Medical Center in Houston. Our same-day appointments help you get answers fast.

Section 7: Diagnosis and Tests at Gastrodoxs

1. Medical History & Physical Exam

• We’ll ask about your diet, lifestyle, and symptom timeline
• Gentle belly exam to locate pain points

2. Ultrasound

• Non-invasive scan that spots gallstones and gallbladder swelling

3. Blood Tests

• Check liver enzymes, white blood cells (infection), and bilirubin

4. HIDA Scan (if needed)

• Follows bile flow with a tracer dye

5. Endoscopy (rare for gas pain)

• Examines esophagus and stomach if acid reflux is suspected

Dr. Pothuri adds:

“A clear diagnosis guides the right treatment. At Gastrodoxs Houston, we combine expertise with high-tech tools.”

Section 8: Treatment Options

Gas Pain Relief

• Over-the-Counter (OTC) Simethicone (Gas-X)
• Antacids (Mylanta, Tums)
• Activated charcoal capsules
• Probiotics to balance gut flora
• Lifestyle tweaks: smaller meals, chew slowly

Gallstone Treatments

1. Watchful Waiting
   • No symptoms? We may monitor first.
2. Medication
   • Oral bile acids can dissolve small cholesterol stones over months.
3. Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
   • Minimally invasive removal of the gallbladder
   • 1–2 days in Houston-area surgical centers
4. ERCP (if stones block ducts)
   • Endoscopic removal of stones from bile ducts

Section 9: Prevention Tips

Prevent Gas Pain

• Eat smaller, frequent meals
• Avoid carbonated drinks and chewing gum
• Limit high-fiber foods if they trigger pain
• Stay active—walking helps move gas along
• Keep a food diary to spot intolerances

Prevent Gallstones

• Maintain a healthy weight (avoid crash diets)
• Eat a balanced diet with fiber, fruits, vegetables
• Stay hydrated—drink plenty of water
• Include healthy fats in moderation (olive oil, fish)
• Regular exercise (at least 30 minutes, 5 days a week)

Dr. Pothuri’s Healthy Houston Tip
"Walking around Buffalo Bayou or Memorial Park after meals aids digestion. Small lifestyle shifts make big differences."

Conclusion

Knowing the difference between gas pain and gallstones helps you take the right action. While gas pain often eases with simple home remedies, gallstones can lead to serious complications if you delay care. In Houston, Gastrodoxs and Dr. Bharat Pothuri stand ready to guide you—from diagnosis to treatment and prevention. Ready to get relief? Schedule your appointment today and breathe easier knowing you’re in expert hands.

About the Author

Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.