Celebrations like Durga Puja bring families together over rich meals, fried snacks, sweets and larger portions, but for people with existing gallstones, festive feasting can sometimes end with severe abdominal painA recent systematic review and meta-analysis estimated the prevalence of gallbladder stones in India at 3.31%, based on data from more than 10,000 participants
While a heavy meal does not cause gallstones, it can trigger an attack in people who already have them. “During Durga Puja, people tend to eat heavier meals than they normally would and may dismiss abdominal pain afterwards as acidity or overeatingGallbladder pain has a different pattern and can be quite severe or persistentIf such episodes keep returning after meals, it is important to find out whether gallstones are responsible rather than simply treating the discomfort each time,”DrDebashis DebSrConsultant – General & Laparoscopic Surgery RG Hospitals, Kolkata. When a festive meal triggers gallbladder pain Gallstones can remain unnoticed for a long time and may not cause any symptomsProblems arise when a stone blocks the bile ductsThe resulting gallbladder attack usually causes pain in the upper right or upper middle part of the abdomen and can last for several hoursSuch attacks often follow heavy meals and may occur in the evening or at night. The pain may sometimes spread towards the back or right shoulder and can be accompanied by nausea or vomitingThis is why severe pain after a heavy Puja meal should not automatically be assumed to be gas or acidity. Not every stomach ache is a gallbladder attack Indigestion, acidity and overeating can also cause discomfort after festive mealsGallbladder pain, however, tends to be more intense and persistentRepeated episodes, particularly after meals, warrant medical evaluation. Doctors usually consider the person’s symptoms and medical history before recommending investigationsAn abdominal ultrasound is commonly used to detect gallstones, while blood tests may be advised when there is concern about infection, inflammation or blockage involving the gallbladder, bile ducts, liver or pancreas. Warning signs that need attention Abdominal pain lasting several hours, repeated vomiting, fever or chills, yellowing of the eyes or skin, dark urine or unusually pale stools should not be ignoredThese symptoms can indicate a blocked bile duct or inflammation involving the gallbladder, liver or pancreas and require prompt medical assessment. Enjoy Puja food without overdoing it People who already have gallstones or have experienced gallbladder pain should avoid very large meals and foods that have previously triggered symptomsSmaller portions and a balanced diet may be easier to tolerate than long gaps followed by a heavy mealHealthier eating patterns that include fibre-rich foods and limit fried foods, excess sugar and unhealthy fats can also support gallbladder health. For people with recurrent symptomatic gallstones, doctors may recommend treatment, including surgical removal of the gallbladder when appropriatePeople who experience repeated attacks should therefore seek medical advice rather than repeatedly managing the pain at home. As Puja gatherings bring families together over festive meals, doctors advise enjoying traditional foods in moderation and paying attention to persistent or unusual abdominal painRecognising the symptoms early can help prevent a festive meal from turning into a medical emergency.
