Learning First Aid For Gallbladder Pain Relief
Spasms of pain related to blockages in the bile ducts can be extremely intense. These episodes are often referred to as gallbladder attacks. The good news is that there are simple steps a person can take at home for gallbladder pain relief.
The gallbladder is a small pouch-like organ which holds bile secreted by the liver and squeezes to release it when you eat meals containing fat. If the narrow bile ducts which transport this liquid become blocked, severe pain can ensue.
Most commonly, gallbladder attacks known as biliary colic are caused by small gallstones lodged in the opening of a duct. Thickened, sludgy bile can also cause pain as the gallbladder struggles to contract and squeeze its contents through the tight pathways into the intestine.
You may have gallbladder disease if you feel the following symptoms:
- Intense pain in the upper abdomen or right abdomen just under the ribs.
- Pain in the mid/upper back
- Pain in the right shoulder blade
- Chest pain
- Sweating
- Nausea and/or vomiting
The symptoms usually last between 30 minutes to a few hours but can also persist for several hours. If pain remains severe longer than several hours or you develop a fever, seek medical attention.
Gallbladder pain relief at home can help many sufferers of attacks and offer gallstone treatment in the long run.
What first aid tips can help relieve discomfort at home? Are there any easy gallstone treatment options?
Try a heating pad or hot water bottle, protected with a cloth and applied directly over the area. Heat can help to relieve spasms and relax inflamed blockages. Apply for 15-30 minutes, then reposition and reapply as needed. Heat compresses using castor oil against the skin along with heat have also been reported as effective.
Try a warm Flaxseed drink. This old European folk remedy has been in practice for many years. It is said to relieve spasm and inflammation of the blocked ducts. You can make this by adding 2 tablespoons of flaxseeds to a small pot of boiling water. Simmer for 20 minutes, strain then sip the warm mixture.
Try mixing a few tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water and sipping the mixture for gallbladder pain relief as long as the pain persists. ACV should be added to the diet daily as it helps to increase bile flow and may help soften gallstones.
Magnesium is often prescribed to relieve muscle pain and a half teaspoon mixed in a glass of water and drank can help to relieve pain related to gallbladder attack.
Apple juice is believed to help soften and reduce gallstones because of malic acid and pectin that it contains. Drink apple juice daily and drink a glass immediately when you note the onset of gallbladder pain. Relief can often come quickly when combining this remedy with lemon juice or ACV.
