Gallbladder Inflammation Can Cause Pain With Breathing—Here's Why

Gallbladder inflammation, or cholecystitis, can lead to significant pain, especially during breathing. When the gallbladder becomes inflamed, it often results in a buildup of inflammatory fluids around the organ. These fluids can irritate the surrounding tissues, including the abdominal lining and the diaphragm, which is why even simple actions like breathing can become painful.

Initially, gallbladder inflammation may cause discomfort or a feeling of fullness in the upper right side of the abdomen. As the condition progresses, blockage of bile flow can occur, leading to increased pressure within the gallbladder. This can cause reduced blood flow to the gallbladder wall, potentially resulting in tissue death—known as gangrenous cholecystitis—or even perforation of the gallbladder.

When the gallbladder ruptures or leaks, inflammatory substances can spread into the abdominal cavity or onto the liver surface, further irritating the peritoneum and diaphragm. This irritation often intensifies with respiratory movements, making each breath painful. In such cases, patients may also experience fever, chills, and jaundice, all of which are signs of a more severe infection.

Severe gallbladder inflammation typically requires prompt surgical intervention. The standard treatment involves removing the inflamed gallbladder through a procedure called a cholecystectomy. During surgery, the abdominal cavity is thoroughly cleaned, and drainage tubes may be placed to remove any remaining inflammatory or infected material. This approach helps reduce symptoms and prevents further complications.

If you experience pain while breathing along with other symptoms like fever or jaundice, it's important to seek medical attention immediately, as these can be signs of a serious gallbladder condition.