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A biliary colic is an intermittent pain in the upper abdomen, usually below the right side of the rib cage.
Risk factors. Women who are over 40 years of age are at risk.
Causes. If a gallstone blocks any of the ducts leading to the intestines, the normal flow of bile to the intestines is disturbed. Muscle cells in the bile duct contract hard to try to move the stone, which is what causes the pain. A narrowing of the bile duct or a tumour may also obstruct the bile flow and cause pain.
Gallstones are often detected when routine radiographs are carried out during abdominal surgery or another medical procedure.
Treatment. With medication and fluid intake, most gallstones disappear within 1 to 5 hours.
