Biliary Colic

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

Biliary colic is severe pain in your upper abdomen caused by a gallbladder problem. Your gallbladder stores bile, which helps digest (break down) the fats that you eat. Biliary colic happens when something blocks the duct that moves bile out of the gallbladder.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Medicines:

• Pain medicine: You may be given medicine to decrease or take away pain. Do not wait until the pain is severe before you take your medicine.
  
  
• Antibiotics: This medicine will help fight or prevent an infection. Take your antibiotics until they are gone, even if you feel better.
  
  
• Antispasm medicine: This medicine helps your gallbladder stop contracting, which can decrease your pain.
  
  
• Take your medicine as directed. Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell him if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.

Follow up with your primary healthcare provider as directed:

Write down any questions you have so you remember to ask them in your follow-up visits.

Contact your primary healthcare provider if:

• You have a fever.
  
  
• You feel dizzy or sleepy, or you have a rash.
  
  
• You have nausea and are vomiting.
  
  
• Your urine is dark, or your bowel movements are light gray.
  
  
• Your pain lasts longer than before or happens more often.
  
  
• Your pain does not get any better after you take medicine.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your condition, treatment, or care.

Return to the emergency department if:

• Your skin or eyes are light yellow.
  
  
• You have trouble staying awake, or you feel like you are going to lose consciousness.
  
  
• You have strong pain in the right side of your abdomen.
  
  
• Your pain suddenly gets worse.
  
  
• You have sudden chest pain.
  
  
• You have shortness of breath or pain when you take a deep breath.
  
  
• You urinate less than usual.

Learn more about Biliary Colic (Aftercare Instructions)