Health condition
Gallbladder attack
A gallbladder attack is a sudden episode of intense right upper abdominal pain, usually caused by a gallstone blocking the gallbladder, and it can progress to cholecystitis if the blockage persists.
Why trust this guide
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Editorial team
Written by our editorial team from the UK sources listed on each page.
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Sourced from guidance
Checked against current NHS and UK specialist society guidance at the time of review.
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Current for 2026
Reviewed on 2026-09-27 with the next review scheduled for 2027-09-27.
Key facts
The essentials at a glance.
The symptoms to recognise, when to seek help, which specialist to see, and what treatment usually involves.
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Typical symptoms: severe steady pain under the right ribs or in the upper abdomen, nausea and sweating
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Seek urgent help if the pain lasts more than a few hours or comes with fever, vomiting or jaundice
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Specialist: a consultant upper GI surgeon
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Treatment options include strong pain relief for the attack and gallbladder removal to prevent further episodes
Understanding the condition
What it is and what happens next.
What causes it, how it is diagnosed, and the treatment routes available in the UK.
What it is and how it feels
A gallbladder attack, or biliary colic episode, starts when a gallstone temporarily blocks the gallbladder outlet. The pain is intense and steady rather than colicky, sits under the right ribs or in the centre of the upper abdomen, may spread to the right shoulder blade, and often follows a fatty meal or wakes you at night.
Diagnosis and treatment routes
An attack that settles within a few hours is treated with pain relief, followed by an ultrasound scan and surgical review; ongoing pain with fever suggests acute cholecystitis, which needs hospital admission. Definitive treatment for repeated attacks is laparoscopic gallbladder removal. In many parts of the UK, routine NHS referrals for this kind of problem currently take 20-45+ weeks, whereas an initial appointment with a private consultant is typically available within around two weeks.
Seeing a specialist
Who to see, and how quickly you can be seen.
The specialist for this condition is usually a consultant upper GI surgeon. Your GP can refer you on the NHS, or you can arrange a private consultation directly.
A quiet reminder
This guide is for information, not medical advice.
Your GP knows your history and can tell you which parts apply to you. If in doubt, see them - and seek urgent care for any of the emergency symptoms described above.
Frequently asked
Common questions about Gallbladder attack.
Quick, plain-English answers to what people ask us most.
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What is gallbladder attack?
Gallbladder attack is a diagnosis used by clinicians to describe a specific pattern of symptoms or findings. It's usually confirmed after a proper assessment, since several conditions can look similar at first.
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Why does gallbladder attack happen?
Gallbladder attack can arise from several different underlying mechanisms, and in many cases more than one factor contributes. Identifying likely causes usually forms part of the initial specialist work-up.
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How would I know if I have gallbladder attack?
Symptoms of gallbladder attack vary from person to person and can range from mild and easily missed to significant enough to affect daily life. Because overlapping conditions can produce similar symptoms, a clinical assessment is the most reliable way to confirm what's actually going on.
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Can gallbladder attack cause complications?
Most cases of gallbladder attack are manageable with appropriate care, though, like many conditions, it can occasionally lead to complications if left unassessed or untreated. Your clinician can give you a realistic sense of the risks based on your specific presentation.
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Is gallbladder attack hereditary?
In most cases gallbladder attack isn't straightforwardly inherited, though family history can sometimes be a relevant background factor. A clinician can help you understand whether it's worth mentioning relatives' health when being assessed.
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Is there a cure for gallbladder attack?
Gallbladder attack can often be managed effectively, and in some cases prevented or reversed, with the right combination of lifestyle changes, medication or other targeted treatment. A specialist will tailor the approach to your circumstances rather than applying a one-size-fits-all plan.
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How is gallbladder attack treated?
Treatment for gallbladder attack is usually built around the severity of your symptoms and any underlying cause found on assessment, and may involve lifestyle measures, medication, physiotherapy or, in some cases, a procedure. Your specialist will discuss the pros and cons of each option with you before agreeing a plan.
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What's the outlook for gallbladder attack?
The outlook for gallbladder attack varies widely depending on the underlying cause, how early it's diagnosed, and how it responds to treatment. Many people see significant improvement with appropriate care, and your specialist can give you a more personalised timeframe once they've reviewed your case.
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Could gallbladder attack be confused with another condition?
Because several conditions can share similar symptoms to gallbladder attack, clinicians often consider a short list of possibilities before confirming a diagnosis. This is one of the main reasons a proper assessment, and sometimes targeted tests, matters more than relying on symptoms alone.
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When should I see a doctor about gallbladder attack, and how quickly can I be seen privately?
It's worth seeking medical advice if symptoms of gallbladder attack are persistent, worsening, or affecting your daily life, rather than waiting for them to resolve on their own. NHS routine referrals for this kind of assessment can take anywhere from around 20 to 45+ weeks, whereas private consultants typically offer an appointment within about two weeks.