What is the primary symptom of a gallbladder attack?

The primary symptom of a gallbladder attack is intense abdominal pain. This pain typically occurs in the upper right or center of the abdomen and can be quite severe. It often follows a meal that is high in fat, as the gallbladder is responsible for releasing bile to digest fats. When the gallbladder is inflamed or obstructed, this pain may last from a few minutes to several hours and can be accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea or vomiting.

While mild indigestion, constipation, and jaundice can be associated with gallbladder issues, they are not defining characteristics of a gallbladder attack. Mild indigestion is a more generic symptom that can occur for various reasons and does not specifically indicate a gallbladder problem. Constipation is usually unrelated to acute gallbladder conditions and may be more related to diet or gastrointestinal motility issues. Jaundice, which indicates a buildup of bilirubin in the body, can occur in more severe cases of gallbladder disease, especially if there is a blockage in the bile duct, but it is not a primary symptom of a gallbladder attack itself. Therefore, the intense abdominal pain is the hallmark sign that indicates a gallbladder attack.