biliary colic

Biliary colic is sudden, intense pain caused by a blockage in the bile ducts, often due to gallstones. These stones form in the gallbladder and can obstruct the flow of bile, a digestive fluid. When the duct is blocked, the gallbladder contracts strongly in an effort to release bile, leading to pain typically in the upper right abdomen or middle of the chest. The pain may radiate to the back or shoulder and can last from a few minutes to several hours. Biliary colic usually occurs after eating fatty foods and indicates an issue with gallstone passage or obstruction.