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However, it is unclear whether the two conditions have a direct link. Aside from a few shared symptoms, these conditions also feel different. The most common symptoms of GERD are heartburn and acid reflux, while in gallbladder disease, the pain is typically on the right side and may radiate to the shoulder. This article looks at GERD and gallbladder disease, including their similarities and differences, whether the conditions are linked, and whether one can cause the other. Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Click here to learn more. The gallbladder and GERD Share on PinterestPaul Linse/Getty ImagesGallbladder disease and GERD are two different medical conditions. In GERD, the contents of the stomach travel back up the esophagus, or food pipe, causing a burning sensation. This is known as heartburn or acid reflux. The gallbladder is further down the digestive tract. It stores bile, which is similar to stomach acid in that it is a liquid that aids digestion. However, where stomach acid is strongly acidic, bile is alkaline. Gallbladder disease occurs when the gallbladder becomes infected, inflamed, or develops gallstones, which are hardened deposits of bile. This results in pain and swelling. Is there a link between gallbladder disease and GERD Scientists are still learning whether there is a connection between GERD and gallbladder disease. Can GERD cause gallbladder problems The association between GERD and gallbladder problems is unclear. In an older 2015 study, researchers found that among 604 people with GERD, over 13% of them had gallstones, which is higher than the rates in the general population. Among people without GERD, approximately 6% of males and 9% of females have gallstones. This may suggest there is some link between these conditions. However, gallstones are not uncommon, and scientists believe that rates are increasing due to obesity. Obesity is also a risk factor for GERD, as excess weight puts pressure on the esophagus, so both conditions may be more likely in those with higher body weights. Another potential reason for the higher rates of gallstones in those with GERD is medication. A small study from 2006 suggests that proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), a common GERD medication, may reduce gallbladder function and increase gallstone formation. However, this was a small study of only 19 people. A more recent literature review could not find enough high quality evidence to say if PPIs impact gallbladder function. The authors highlight a need for more rigorous scientific investigation. Can gallbladder problems cause GERD There is not much evidence that gallbladder disease causes GERD. However, gallbladder removal is a risk factor for bile reflux, according to a 2021 study. The gallbladder stores bile. Without it, bile may travel up into the stomach. This can cause symptoms that are very similar to GERD. Gallbladder disease vs GERD The table below compares symptoms of gallbladder disease and GERD. GERDGallbladder diseaseMost common symptomsheartburnacid refluxregurgitation of sour liquidupper right abdominal pain that may radiate into the back and right shoulderOther symptomsdifficulty swallowingpain in upper abdomennausea nausea or vomitingshortness of breath when inhaling due to painWhen the symptoms occurusually occur after eating and worsen when lying downoften begin following a meal or at nightHow long symptoms lastsymptoms may last for several hours after eating or until food is digestedpain may last from 15 minutes to a few hours. How doctors make a diagnosis Doctors typically use a person’s symptoms and an ultrasound scan to diagnose gallstones and gallbladder disease. The doctor may also order blood tests that may show increased white blood cells and elevated inflammatory markers. In addition, they may perform a test for Murphy’s sign, which involves applying pressure below the ribs on the right side and asking the person to inhale. The inhalation brings the gallbladder close to the doctor’s fingers. If the gallbladder is inflamed, this will cause pain and an inability to inhale further. There are no gold standard tests to diagnose GERD. Instead, doctors use the individual’s symptoms and may trial GERD medications to see if they help. However, if someone presents with alarming symptoms, including anemia, weight loss, swallowing difficulties, or vomiting blood, doctors evaluate them with an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). This procedure allows the doctor to examine the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. Doctors distinguish between gallbladder disease and GERD based on the individual’s symptoms, physical examination, and imaging tests. Will gallbladder removal help with GERD There is little evidence to suggest that gallbladder removal helps with GERD symptoms. What else causes acid reflux Acid reflux happens when the lower esophageal sphincter does not close as it should, allowing digestive juices to rise into the esophagus. Some health conditions can cause acid reflux. These include hiatal hernia, when the upper part of the stomach bulges through the diaphragm into the chest cavity. This means the lower esophageal sphincter cannot function as it should. Hiatal hernia is a common condition affecting 55–60% of individuals over the age of 50 and is a leading cause of GERD. Other factors that can contribute to GERD include things that put pressure on the esophagus or affect how it works. These include:lying down after mealsobesitypregnancyhigh alcohol consumptionconnective tissue disordersnumerous types of medication, including:nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirinanticholinergicscalcium channel blockersantidepressantsbenzodiazepinesglucagon Speaking with a doctor If a person believes they have GERD or gallbladder disease, they should speak with their doctor as soon as possible. Only a doctor can make a firm diagnosis. Anyone who has severe or worrying symptoms should dial 911 or the number of the nearest emergency department. Symptoms that require prompt attention include severe pain or vomiting blood. Some questions to ask a doctor could include:Are my symptoms the result of gallbladder disease or GERD?What tests do I need to confirm the diagnosis?What is the best treatment for me?Are there any lifestyle changes I should make?How long will it take for my symptoms to improve?Are there any complications I should be aware of?What happens if I do not treat my condition? If the symptoms may be due to medication side effects, or a person is concerned their PPIs may raise the risk of gallstones, they should discuss this with a doctor. Do not change the drug or dosage without consulting a medical professional. Summary Gallbladder disease and GERD are two different conditions that may cause similar symptoms. There may also be some links between the two. For example, some studies suggest PPIs may play a role in gallstone formation. However, scientists highlight that there is a lack of high quality evidence to support this. Additionally, people who undergo gallbladder removal may develop bile reflux, which can feel similar to GERD. If a person has any concerns they might have GERD, bile reflux, or gallbladder disease, they should speak with a doctor promptly. Last medically reviewed on July 7, 2022Acid Reflux / GERDGastroIntestinal / Gastroenterology 8 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Acute cholecystitis. (2019).https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/cholecystitis/Antunes, C., et al. (2022). Gastroesophageal reflux disease.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441938/Cahan, M. A., et al. (2006). Proton pump inhibitors reduce gallbladder function [Abstract].https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16858534/Javed, M., et al. (2020). A systemic literature review of the effect of proton pump inhibitors on gallbladder function [Abstract].https://www.researchgate.net/publication/344827452_A_systemic_literature_review_of_the_effect_of_proton_pump_inhibitors_on_gallbladder_functionLake, A., et al. (2021). Bile reflux gastropathy and functional dyspepsia.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8266494/Sallum, R. A. A., et al. (2015). Prevalence of gallstones in 1,229 patients submitted to surgical laparoscopic treatment of GERD and esophageal achalasia: Associated cholecystectomy was a safe procedure.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4737332/Smith, R. E., et al. (2022). Hiatal hernia.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK562200/Tanaja, J., et al. (2022). Cholelithiasis.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470440/FEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Saurabh Sethi, M.D., MPH — By Zia Sherrell, MPH on July 7, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? New clues arise Related CoverageWhat tests do doctors use to diagnose gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)? Several tests can diagnose GERD. Doctors may perform them in-office, or require someone to wear a measuring device for 24–96 hours. Learn more here.READ MOREWhat causes pain in the right upper quadrant of the ribs?Medically reviewed by Saurabh Sethi, M.D., MPH The right upper quadrant of the abdomen includes the pancreas, right kidney, gallbladder, liver, and intestines. 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