Acid reflux vs. gallstones: How to determine the pain in the upper abdomen?

Having an upper abdominal pain is not uncommon. It can occur due to varied reasons and a variety of health issues. However, two of the most common causes include acid reflux or issues with the gallbladder. Often the two illnesses lead to similar symptoms, which tends to confuse a lot of people. This is when understanding the difference between the two can help make your diagnosis and your treatment easier and more efficient.

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Acid reflux refers to when a person's stomach acid travels up the esophagus, leading to heartburn, which is a burning sensation in the chest. Frequent occurrences of acid reflux can lead to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

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A gallbladder is a small organ on the right side of the abdomen, just below the liver. It holds digestive fluid called bile that is released into the small intestine. According to the Mayo Clinic, gallstones are hardened deposits of digestive fluid that can form in your gallbladder. These don't usually cause signs and symptoms but if left untreated for long can demand surgery.

Some of the noticeable symptoms include: sudden and intensifying pain in the upper right portion of your abdomen, in the center of your abdomen, just below breastbone, back pain between shoulder blades, pain in right shoulder and nausea and vomiting.

Other than the fact that the two lead to similar symptoms, acid reflux and gallstones or any other gallbladder disease have no relation. However, the similarities in the symptoms is often what confuses people.

That said, it is important to differentiate between the two. Here's how...

Heartburn is a classic symptom of acid reflux. It is characterized by a burning pain that moves up to your abdomen, and to the chest. Most often, it is localized just below the breastbone in the center of the body. This happens because of a weakened lower esophageal sphincter, which is a muscle at the end of the esophagus.

Similarly, a gallbladder problem can also cause upper abdominal pain. But to be precise, it is present in the right upper quadrant, below the ribs on the right side. At times, the pain can radiate to other areas of the body like the chest or the back.

Bending over or lying back can intensify and worsen the pain associated with acid reflux. That said, taking an antacid prescribed by a doctor, standing or belching can help relieve symptoms.

If you have a gallbladder problem or gallstones, the pain may vary depending on how far are you with the disease. The pain associated with gallbladder condition is called biliary colic, that occurs due to obstruction usually by stones in the cystic duct or common bile duct of the biliary tree. It can come and go and sometimes can start with great pain.

Pain associated with acid reflux or heartburn usually lasts from a few minutes to a couple of hours. It can intensify when you bend over or lie down. It is often felt after having a big, fatty meal. Gallstones can also cause issues after a meal, but it is not immediate like acid reflux. It is often more sudden and severe that usually lasts 1 to 5 hours.

Even though an ultrasound confirms you have gallstones, it does not necessarily mean that your symptoms are from the condition itself. You could be having acid reflux along with gallstones, which is why some people continue experiencing symptoms even after the surgical removal of the gallbladder.

That said, the best way to manage symptoms is to make healthier lifestyle choices. Avoid processed, fatty and oily foods that can lead to flare ups. Furthermore, increase your regular activity so your food is digested efficiently.

If symptoms still persist, talk to your doctor and take medications. However, if all measures fail, surgical procedures done to relieve chronic acid reflux may be necessary, but at the recommendation of the doctor.