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Gas Pain vs Gallstones: How to Tell the Difference
It is not rare to have a full and bloated stomach after taking a huge rich meal. This tends to be a sign of irritating gas pains, but it may be the presence of gallstones, as well.
Gas Pain vs Gallstones: The difference between them
Is it gas pain or gallstones? The distinction will save you pain, anxiety and even hospital visits. In Gastrodoxs Houston, headed by Dr. Bharat Pothuri, we have patients coming to see us daily, who mix up one with the other. We will deconstruct the major signs and symptoms and what you can do to ensure that you are fully aware of everything happening in your body in this post.
Quote from Dr. Bharat Pothuri:
According to Dr. Pothuri, board-certified gastroenterologist at Gastrodoxs, pain in the gas and in the gallstones may be similar, but the causes and treatments are not. We assist the Houston locals in seeking fast relief with clear signs and simple tests.
Table of Contents
What Is Gas Pain?
What Are Gallstones?
Distinguishing between Signs of Gas Pain and Gallstones
Gas Pain vs Gallstones Symptoms
The Effect of Gas Pain and Gallstones on Your Digestive System
How to Know When to See a Doctor in Houston
Diagnostic and Tests at Gastrodoxs
Treatment Options
Prevention Tips
Section 1: What Is Gas Pain?
The gas pains occur when the digestive tract is filled with air or gas. Everybody has gas - 1 to 4 pints per day! You normally dispose of it through burgering or through passing feces. However, at times, gas accumulates and makes your intestines to stretch. The cramping the pains in stretching.
Common Causes of Gas Pain
When eating or drinking, the person swallows air
Consumption of carbonated drinks
Chewing gum and smoking
Consumption of high-fiber diets such as beans and broccoli
Food allergies (lactose, fructose)
Typical Locations
Gastric (below the ribs)
Lower belly (around the navel)
Duration
Minutes to a few hours
Suffering usually occurs in spurts of pain
Section 2: What Are Gallstones?
Gallstones are the hardened masses of the digestive fluid which develop in your gallbladder. This is a small organ that is located beneath your liver on your right side. Once there is a blockage of a bile duct due to gallstones, it causes severe pain referred to as a biliary colic.
Types of Gallstones
Cholesterol stones (most common)
Stones (produced of bilirubin)
Risk Factors
Female gender
Over age 40
Obesity
Rapid weight loss
Family history
Typical Locations
Right upper belly (under the ribs)
In some cases spreads to the back or right shoulder
Duration
30 minutes to several hours
Suddenly comes and remains unchanged
Section 3: Gas Pain vs Gallstones Signs
Compare and contrast this using this fast filter.
Gas Pain
Crampy, moving pain
Frequently relieved through burgering or passing of gas
Related to the meals, but not necessarily severe
Denies any 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:
When you are in pain and you bend forward to relieve yourself think gas. Should you to the doubling make an end, and fail to find repose, we seek gallstones.
Section 4: Gallstones vs Gas Pain Symptoms
Gas Pain Symptoms
Bloating or feeling full
Jabbing, sharp pains, which go about
Sudden need to pass gas
Moving on to slight pain to mild to moderate discomfort
No lasting damage
Gallstone Symptoms
Constant, sharp pains at the right rib cage
Pain radiates to back/ right shoulder blade
Nausea and vomiting
Fever or Chills (in case of infection)
Pale skin or eyes (jaundice)
Gastrodoxs Houston patient shor
Last month, I believed that I had gas, and was so after a large taco dinner. However, I called Gastrodoxs when I was unable to sleep and I continued holding my right side. Ultrasound done by Dr. Pothuri showed gallstones. I feel great right after an operation!
Section 5: Gasp Sensation and Gallstones: Impact on your digestive system
The influence of Gas Pain on Digestion
Gas pulls out your bowels
Is also able to slow down bowel movements
None of the long-term damage other than associated with IBS or food intolerances
The effects of Gallstones on Digestion
Obstruct the bile emptying of the gallbladder
Bile aids in the digestion of fats, and obstruction causes fat malabsorption
Is capable of causing inflammation (cholecystitis) or infection
Risks Long-term risks of gallbladder disease or pancreatitis
Quote from Dr. Bharat Pothuri:
Gallstones are not only painful, but they can give rise to severe problems in case they are not treated. Timely diagnosis at our office in Houston will aid in cases of 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 diarrhea or nausea
Fever over 100.4 degree F (38 degree C)
Unexplained weight loss
Severe pain that does not allow one to sleep
Gallstones- See Care Immediately:
Pain lasts over 5 hours
Jaundice (yellow skin/eyes) appears
High fever or chills
Severe nausea and vomiting
Pancreatitis (pain on upper belly and radiations to back)
Gastrodoxs is a good place to be in Houston because it is close to the Texas Medical Center. Our same-day appointments will make you find answers quickly.
Section 7: Diagnosis and Tests at Gastrodoxs
1. History and physical examination Medical History and Physical Exam
We will enquire about your food consumption, living pattern and symptom history
Light palpation of the abdomen to identify pain
2. Ultrasound
Ultrasound scan which identifies gallstones and swelling of the gallbladder that is not invasive
3. Blood Tests
Check liver enzymes, white blood cells (infection) and bilirubin
4. HIDA Scan (if needed)
Successor of flow of bile with a tracer dye
5. Endoscopy (rare for gas pain)
Inspected esophagus and stomach in case of acid reflux
Dr. Pothuri adds:
There is no diagnosis like the one which leads to the appropriate treatment. We are combining experience with technical devices at Gastrodoxs Houston.
Modifications in lifestyle: smaller food portions, chew slowly
Gallstone Treatments
Watchful Waiting
No symptoms? We may monitor first
Medication
It takes months to dissolve small cholesterol stones with oral bile acids
Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
Less invasive extraction of the gallbladder
1-2 days in the surgical centers of Houston area
ERCP (if stones block ducts)
Laparoscopic lithography of bile ducts
Section 9: Prevention Tips
Prevent Gas Pain
Eat smaller, frequent meals
Do not take carbonated drinks or chewing gum
Avoid high fiber foods that cause pain
Keep in motion- walk aids in gas circulation
Diet journal to identify intolerances
Prevent Gallstones
Keep fit (do not use crash diets)
Consume a healthy diet comprising of fiber, fruits, vegetables
Keep the body hydrated-take a lot of water
Moderate healthy fats (olive oil, fish, etc.)
Exercising on a regular basis (30 minutes or more 5 days a week)
Healthy Houston Tip by Dr. Pothuri's
A stroll around a Buffalo Bayou or Memorial park after meals assists in digestion. Little changes of lifestyle add up to large differences.
Conclusion
It is worth knowing when you have gas pains or the gall stones so that you can take the correct action. Although gas pains usually subside with some simple home treatments, gallstones may cause severe complications when you put off the treatment. Gastrodoxs and Dr. Bharat Pothuri in Houston are ready to take you-to diagnosis till treatment and prevention. Ready to get relief? Make your appointment today and comfort yourself in the knowledge that you are in experienced 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.
