Greetings.

The biliary sludge is a kind of material/mud, by which stones are formed. This can cause pain when one eats food. The best diagnostic study for this is called as HIDA scan, which is a type of nuclear study for the gallbladder. Another investigation is an ultrasound study, which can further substantiate the gall bladder wall thickening and associated pathologies and rule out any gall bladder and liver affection.

Another investigation for upper abdominal pain is esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). All esophagus, stomach and duodenal disorders are screened by it.

For you pain, dietary modification is essential till diagnosis is established. Fruits, fresh fruit juices, carbohydrate diet won't hurt you. Avoid spicy and fatty diet. Continue with medicines like zantac, which reduce the acidity. All other medical measures are prescription based, so would need help of your primary care physician.

Your follow up questions are welcome.

Dr. Arun