Spastic Pain of the Biliary Tract
What is Spastic Pain of the Biliary Tract?
Spastic pain of the biliary tract is a type of abdominal pain typically associated with biliary tract disorders. It is often described as a gnawing ache or a sharp, stabbing pain in the upper right side of the abdomen. The pain might be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, or fever. The condition is more commonly seen in women and typically occurs in adults over the age of 50.
Spastic pain of the biliary tract is most often caused by gallstones, which occur when bile in the gallbladder or bile ducts crystallizes and forms hard deposits. The formation of gallstones is usually the result of an imbalance in the cholesterol or bile salts in the bile. Other possible causes of spastic pain of the biliary tract include: tumors, inflammation, infection, pancreatitis, or liver disease.
Diagnosing Spastic Pain of the Biliary Tract
In order to diagnose spastic pain of the biliary tract, it is important to first identify the underlying cause of the pain. Your doctor may perform a variety of tests including an ultrasound, endoscopy, or a computerized tomography (CT) scan, in order to determine the cause. Additionally, your doctor may recommend biliary scintigraphy or cholescintigraphy, which are imaging tests that use small amounts of radioactive material to help visualize the biliary tract.
Treatment for Spastic Pain of the Biliary Tract
Treatment for spastic pain of the biliary tract is based upon the underlying cause. Some common treatments include:
- Surgery – for the removal of gallstones or tumors
- Medication – to reduce inflammation or pain
- Dietary changes – to reduce the risk of gallbladder problems
- Endoscopic procedures – for the removal of gallstones or the repair of blocked bile ducts
Preventing Spastic Pain of the Biliary Tract
To help reduce the risk of developing spastic pain of the biliary tract, it is important to maintain a healthy diet that is low in fat and cholesterol, and to avoid smoking and excessive alcohol use. Additionally, it is important to get regular physical activity, as this can help reduce the risk of gallstones or other biliary tract disorders.