Top 5 Signs and Symptoms of Gallbladder Problems

March 29, 2023






Posted in:






Health & Wellness













&nbsp6 minute read time

What is the Gallbladder?

What is Gallbladder Disease?

Common Gallbladder Problems

Gallstones

How to Know if You Have Gallstones

Gallbladder Inflammation

Gallbladder Polyps

Biliary Colic

Top 5 Symptoms of Gallbladder Disease

Nausea or Vomiting

Fever or Chills

Chronic diarrhea/Unusual stools or urine

Jaundice

When to See a Doctor

Diagnosis & Treatment

Pain, Symptoms, Problems, and More

Pain is the most common symptom of a gallbladder problem. It can be mild and intermittent or quite severe and frequent. It may begin to radiate to other areas of the body, including the back and chest.

This pain will often be accompanied by other symptoms. Read on to learn more about the gallbladder and how to identify a problem.

Your gallbladder is a 4-inch, pear-shaped organ. It’s positioned under your liver in the upper-right section of your abdomen.

The gallbladder stores bile, a combination of fluids, fat, and cholesterol. Bile helps break down fat from food in your intestine. The gallbladder delivers bile into the small intestine. This allows fat-soluble vitamins and nutrients to be more easily absorbed into the bloodstream.

Gallbladder conditions share similar symptoms. These include:

• Pain. It usually occurs in the mid to upper-right section of your abdomen.
• Nausea or vomiting. Chronic gallbladder disease may cause digestive problems, such as acid reflux and gas.
• Fever or chills. This may be a sign of infection and should be treated immediately.
• Chronic diarrhea. Defined as more than four bowel movements per day for at least 3 months.
• Jaundice. Marked by yellow-tinted skin, it may be a sign of a block or stone in the common bile duct.
• Stool abnormality. Lighter-colored stools is a possible sign of a common bile duct block.
• Discolored urine. Dark urine is a potential sign of a common bile duct block.

Any disease that affects your gallbladder is considered a gallbladder disease. The following conditions are all gallbladder diseases.

• Inflammation of the gallbladder. This is called cholecystitis. It can be either acute (short term), or chronic (long term).
• Common bile duct infection. An infection may develop if the common bile duct is obstructed.
• Gallbladder polyps. These are abnormal tissue growths that may be benign. Larger polyps may need to be surgically removed before they develop into cancer or cause other problems.
• Porcelain gallbladder. This is when calcium deposits stiffen the gallbladder walls and make them rigid.
• Gallbladder cancer. Although rare, if not detected and treated, this cancer can spread quickly.
• Gallstones. These are small, hardened deposits that form in the gallbladder. They can cause acute cholecystitis. More on gallstones and their complications below.

Gallstones are small, hardened deposits that form in the gallbladder. These deposits can develop and go undetected for years.

In fact, many people have gallstones and aren’t aware of them. They eventually cause problems, including inflammation, infection, and pain.

Other gallbladder problems or complications related to gallstones include:

• common bile duct stones
• abscess of the gallbladder
• gallstone ileus
• perforated gallbladder

Gallstones are usually very small, no more than a few millimeters wide. However, they can grow to several centimeters. Some people develop only one gallstone, while others develop several. As the gallstones grow in size, they can begin to block the channels that lead out of the gallbladder.

Most gallstones are formed from cholesterol found in the gallbladder’s bile. Another type of gallstone, a pigment stone, is formed from calcium bilirubinate. Calcium bilirubinate is a chemical that’s produced when the body breaks down red blood cells. This type of stone is rarer.

Explore this interactive 3-D diagram to learn more about the gallbladder and gallstones.

Common bile duct stones (choledocholithiasis)

When gallstones occur in the common bile duct, it’s known as choledocholithiasis. Bile is ejected from the gallbladder, passed through small tubes, and deposited in the common bile duct. It then enters the small intestine.

In most cases, common bile duct stones are actually gallstones that developed in the gallbladder and then passed into the bile duct. This type of stone is called a secondary common bile duct stone, or secondary stone.

Sometimes stones form in the common bile duct itself. These stones are called primary common bile duct stones, or primary stones. This rare type of stone is more likely to cause an infection than a secondary stone.

Abscess of the gallbladder

A small percentage of people with gallstones may also develop pus in the gallbladder. This condition is called empyema.

Pus is a combination of white blood cells, bacteria, and dead tissue. The development of pus, also known as an abscess, leads to severe abdominal pain. If empyema isn’t diagnosed and treated, it can become life threatening as the infection spreads to other parts of the body.

Gallstone ileus

A gallstone may travel into the intestine and block it. This condition, known as gallstone ileus, is rare but can be fatal. It’s most common among individuals who are over 65 years old.

Perforated gallbladder

If you wait too long to seek treatment, gallstones can lead to a perforated gallbladder. This is a life threatening condition. If the tear isn’t detected, a dangerous, widespread abdominal infection may develop.

Gallstones don’t cause every type of gallbladder problem. Gallbladder disease without stones, also called acalculous gallbladder disease, can occur. In this case, you may experience symptoms commonly associated with gallstones without actually having stones.

First, your doctor will talk with you about your medical history, symptoms, and family history. A physical exam is performed to locate pain in the abdomen. Your doctor may also ask about your diet and nutrition before doing a blood test.

Results from a blood test may indicate whether there’s an infection or inflammation in the gallbladder, bile ducts, pancreas, or even the liver.

Imaging tests are typically used to identify gallstones in your gallbladder. There are several types of image tests:

• Ultrasound. This test is considered the best imaging test for finding gallstones. Often doctors find “silent,” or gallstones that do not cause symptoms in this image test.
• Computed tomography (CT) scan. This combination of X-rays and technology can show gallstones as well as reveal complications such as blockage of the gallbladder or bile ducts.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This test shows detailed images of your body’s organs and can show gallstones in your biliary tract ducts.
• Cholescintigraphy. Taking pictures of the biliary tract, this image scan can show gallbladder abnormalities and blockages in the bile ducts.
• Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). This more invasive procedure is often used to address an existing problem, such as a gallstone stuck in the common bile duct.

Once your doctor has performed any necessary tests, they can then try to make a diagnosis, followed by a recommended course of treatment.

If your doctor discovers gallstones in your gallbladder, you might have gallbladder removal surgery. Although gallbladder removal surgery is safe, there are always risks with any surgery. It’s important to speak openly with your doctor about:

• the surgery
• typical recovery
• potential complications

Following removal of your gallbladder via surgery, it’s possible you may develop an infection. Pain, swelling and redness, along with pus at the incision may require antibiotics.

Bile leakage is extremely rare — only 1 percent of people who have gallbladder removal surgery experience this complication.

Injuries to the bile duct, intestine, bowel, or blood vessels are other possible complications that may require additional surgery to fix.

Gallbladder removal surgery isn’t the only way to treat a gallbladder problem. Depending on your issue and diagnosis, treatment may include:

• over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers, such as ibuprofen (Aleve, Motrin)
• lithotripsy, a procedure that uses shock waves to break apart gallstones and other masses
• oral dissolution therapy, though it does not have a high success rate
• surgery to remove gallstones

Not all cases will require medical treatment. You may also be able to find pain relief with natural remedies, such as exercise and a heated compress.

If you’re experiencing gallbladder problems, you may find it beneficial to adjust your diet. In addition, if you have gallbladder removal surgery, your doctor may advise dietary changes both before (pre-op) and after surgery (post-op).

Foods that may aggravate gallbladder disease include:

• foods high in trans fats and other unhealthy fats
• highly processed foods
• refined carbohydrates, such as white bread and sugar

Instead, try to build your diet around:

• fiber-rich fruits and vegetables
• calcium-rich foods, such as low fat dairy and dark leafy greens
• foods containing vitamin C, such as berries
• plant-based protein, such as tofu, beans, and lentils
• healthy fats, such as nuts and fish
• coffee, which reduces your risk of gallstones and other gallbladder diseases

Symptoms of a gallbladder problem may come and go. However, you’re more likely to develop a gallbladder problem if you’ve had one before.

While gallbladder problems are rarely deadly, they should still be treated. You can prevent gallbladder problems from worsening if you take action and see a doctor. Symptoms that should prompt you to seek immediate medical attention include:

• abdominal pain that lasts at least 5 hours
• jaundice
• pale stools
• sweating, low-grade fever, or chills, if they’re accompanied by the above symptoms

The most common indication that you may be experiencing a problem with your gallbladder is pain in the mid to upper-right section of your abdomen.

Gallstones may be responsible for the pain, and depending on the severity of your symptoms, your doctor may recommend gallbladder removal surgery if imaging tests reveal the presence of these small, hardened deposits.

Brittle nails and 9 more signs indicating problems with the gallbladder

• Health

It turns out that the desire to switch to a supposedly healthier diet can play a cruel joke on a person. For example, a completely low-fat diet can lead to gallstones.

March 9, 2022

Source:

iStock/Getty Images

The gallbladder is an organ whose importance even some doctors do not recognize. It is believed that it, they say, cannot be cured – it is better to remove it immediately and not suffer. About why this is not so and how to notice problems with the gallbladder in time, the therapist Natalya Zubareva told.

– The gallbladder is a small sac that stores bile. Only kept! And thrown out as needed – when we eat something fatty. Her liver produces about two liters per day, says the doctor.

According to the specialist, the main task of the gallbladder is to break down fats .

If this organ is absent, bile is constantly thrown into the gastrointestinal tract – regardless of whether the person has eaten fat or not. And after eating it, on the contrary, will be missed. This condition can provoke a deficiency of fat-soluble vitamins and fatty acids, poor cholesterol metabolism.

That is why you should not go on a low-fat diet abruptly: in this case, bile will not cease to be secreted, but there will be nothing for it to process. After a while, stagnation forms – and eventually stones will appear.

See also

However, this does not mean that fat-free foods are the only cause of gallbladder problems. Risk factors also include:

How to understand that the gallbladder is not in order

According to a specialist, problems with the gallbladder will be indicated digestive disorders . For example, constipation, flatulence, nausea and discolored feces, heaviness after eating. The fact is that in a healthy person, bile increases the activity of the pancreas, due to which the body digests the food eaten better.

By the way, another clear sign of a diseased gallbladder is pain on the right under the ribs after eating .

Read also

In addition, if a person has problems with the gallbladder, anemia develops and liver pathology . And also in such people nails become brittle, hair falls out – because against the background of stagnation of bile, protein and fat-soluble vitamins are poorly absorbed.

Another problem with the gallbladder can be seen on the skin: it becomes dry and yellowish, wen appear on it. Even the eyes can turn yellow, because bile helps to remove bilirubin from the body.

Against the background of a diseased gallbladder, a person can jump blood cholesterol level . Also, people with this problem develop fungal and bacterial overgrowth syndromes.

Finally, it is problems with the gallbladder that can provoke the so-called visceral obesity. And this is a powerful blow to the heart, liver, spleen and intestines.

Read also

Where to find healthy fats

For a healthy gallbladder, it is important not to give up fats. It is better to add more foods with healthy fats to your diet. This is for example:

• Oily fish;

• Hazelnuts;

• Oil;

• Avocado;

• Hard cheeses.

As explained by Zubareva, the daily norm of fat is 1 gram per 1 kg of human weight.

Read also

How else to help the gallbladder

In order for the gallbladder to be in order, it is better to eat 3-4 times a day. If you already have chronic gallbladder disease, then you should add another snack and take smaller portions.

You also need to drink enough water. Accustom yourself to start the day with a glass of warm water – the body will thank you.

It is worth using hot spices with caution – you don’t need to overdo it, Zubareva noted.

Text author:Daria Gapionok

Symptoms of gallbladder disease in women: signs and effective treatment

Content

• 1 Symptoms, signs and effective treatment of gallbladder disease in women bubble?
• 1. 2 Signs of gallbladder disease in women
• 1.3 How to diagnose gallbladder disease?
• 1.4 Main types of gallbladder diseases
• 1.5 Treatment of gallbladder diseases in women
  • 1.5.1 Drug therapy
  • 1.5.2 Surgery
  • 1.5.3 Dietary treatment 9000 4
• 1.6 Treatment of gallbladder diseases: what helps ?
  • 1.6.1 Pharmaceuticals
  • 1.6.2 Diet and lifestyle changes
  • 1.6.3 Surgery
• 1.7 When is gallbladder surgery necessary?
• 1.8 Complications of gallbladder disease in women
• 1.9 How to prevent gallbladder disease?
• 1.10 Related videos:
• 1.11 Q&A:
  • • 1.11.0.1 What are the signs of problems with the gallbladder?
    • 1.11.0.2 What causes gallbladder disease?
    • 1.11.0.3 What is the diagnosis of gallbladder disease?
    • 1.11.0.4 What are the treatments for gallbladder disease?
    • 1.11.0.5 What are the possible complications of gallbladder disease?
    • 1. 11.0.6 What are the most effective ways to prevent gallbladder disease?

In women, gallbladder disease can present with a variety of symptoms, including pain in the right hypochondrium, nausea, and vomiting. Learn about all the signs and treatments for this disease in our article.

The gallbladder is an important organ that performs one of the key functions in the body, namely, it participates in the process of digestion. It is located under the liver and is a reservoir where bile accumulates, which is necessary for the processing of food in the intestines.

Unfortunately, women often experience gallbladder problems. The reasons for this are varied: from a disturbed diet to hormonal changes in the body. Symptoms of gallbladder disease can manifest themselves in different ways and increase gradually, so it is important to know what signs you need to pay attention to.

In this article, we will talk about the most common gallbladder diseases in women, their symptoms and treatments. We hope that this information will help you identify problems in time and consult a doctor for the necessary assistance.

What is gallbladder disease?

Gallbladder disease is a pathology associated with impaired functioning of the gallbladder and biliary tract. The gallbladder is an organ that stores bile needed to digest fats. It is located under the liver and is connected to the hepatic ducts, which carry bile to the intestines.

Gallbladder disease can present in a variety of ways, including pain in the right hypochondrium, nausea, vomiting, jaundice, itching, and stool disturbance. These symptoms can be caused by a variety of causes, including biliary disorders, gallstones, inflammatory conditions, and others.

Treatment of gallbladder disease depends on its cause and severity. If the cause is stones, it may be necessary to remove the gallbladder. In other cases, medications are used, as well as a diet that promotes the proper functioning of the biliary tract.

• Gallbladder disease can present with symptoms ranging from pain in the right hypochondrium to jaundice.
• Before starting treatment, it is necessary to identify the cause of the disease and assess its severity.
• Treatment may include removal of the gallbladder, medication, and a special diet.

Signs of gallbladder disease in women

Gallbladder disease in women may present with various symptoms. They may be subtle and not cause much discomfort, but they can also be very painful and become an integral part of life.

The main symptoms of gallbladder disease in women may be: sharp pain in the right hypochondrium, palpitations, nausea, vomiting. Women may also experience a feeling of heaviness in the abdomen, flatulence, constipation or diarrhea, as well as severe itching, jaundice, and dark urine.

All of these symptoms are signs of various forms of gallbladder disease. A doctor’s consultation will help to accurately establish the diagnosis and choose an effective treatment, including diet, possibly the use of drugs or surgery.

• Don’t ignore the signs of gallbladder disease.
• Call your doctor if you have any suspicious symptoms.
• Regular check-ups and check-ups will help prevent disease progression.

How to diagnose gallbladder disease?

Gallbladder disease can present with a variety of symptoms, but it is important to see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis. Diagnosis begins with the collection of anamnesis and examination of the patient. Further, an ultrasound examination may be prescribed, which allows you to see the presence of stones in the gallbladder and other pathologies.

In addition, laboratory tests such as blood tests for inflammation and bilirubin levels may be ordered for additional diagnosis.

If the diagnosis reveals established gallbladder pathology, the doctor will prescribe treatment, which may include drug therapy, diet, physical therapy, and, in some cases, surgery.

Main types of gallbladder diseases

The gallbladder is a small organ located under the liver that helps the body digest fatty foods by secreting bile. Unfortunately, women can develop several types of gallbladder disease that require different treatments.

• Cholecystitis is an inflammation of the gallbladder that can be caused by a bacterial infection or blockage of the bile ducts. Women with cholecystitis may have severe right upper quadrant pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever.
• Gallstone disease is a condition in which a stone forms in the gallbladder, which can lead to obstruction of the flow of bile. Women may experience acute pain in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen, which may last for several hours or several days. In some cases, the stones do not cause symptoms and the woman is not even aware of their presence in the body.

Typically, treatment for gallbladder disease includes dietary changes, medication, and sometimes surgery. It is important to consult a gastroenterologist to find out the diagnosis and receive appropriate treatment. In some cases, symptoms may indicate a serious illness, and delaying treatment may lead to complications.

Treatment of gallbladder disease in women

Drug therapy

Most patients with gallbladder disease in the early stages of the disease are treated with drug therapy.

As a rule, in this case, doctors prescribe choleretic drugs that help to subdue the inflammatory process in the biliary tract, reduce pain and save the gallbladder. In addition, these drugs have choleretic properties that improve the flow of bile, which in turn helps to reduce the risk of stone formation.

Surgery

If gallbladder disease progresses and drug therapy fails, surgery may be required.

Moreover, if the patient suffers from smooth muscle spasm of the bile ducts and choledochoduodenal zone, then the way out of the situation is the removal of the gallbladder. After the procedure, the body loses only some properties, and the patient’s life is in no way threatened. Surgical treatment is also successfully used for the treatment of diseases associated with diseases of the biliary tract.

Dietary treatment

For gallbladder disease, dietary treatment is another way to improve gallbladder health.

At the same time, it is recommended to refuse fatty, spicy, fried and smoked foods, as well as limit the consumption of alcohol and coffee. In addition, the patient’s diet should consist of easily digestible foods that contain a sufficient amount of vitamins and minerals. A properly organized diet helps to reduce the burden on the biliary tract and reduce the risk of stones.

Treatment of gallbladder diseases: what helps?

Pharmacological preparations

The following pharmacological preparations can be used in the treatment of diseases of the gallbladder:

• antisecretory preparations that reduce the production of bile and reduce pressure in the bile ducts;
• antispasmodics that relieve pain and spasms of the biliary tract;
• choleretic preparations that stimulate the flow of bile;
• enzyme preparations that increase the digestibility of food and reduce the burden on the biliary tract.

When prescribing pharmacological preparations, it is necessary to take into account the individual characteristics of the patient and the degree of development of the disease.

Diet and lifestyle changes

Lifestyle changes and proper nutrition are equally important for the successful treatment of gallbladder disease.

The diet for cholelithiasis patients should be limited in fats and rich in proteins and carbohydrates. The body needs to absorb nutrients and take in calories, but without overloading the gallbladder.

It is also useful to engage in physical activity, but without overwork.

Surgery

If gallbladder disease does not respond to conservative treatment, it is necessary to use a surgical method of treatment. Gallbladder surgery is quite common. Either open cholecystectomy or laparoscopic cholecystectomy is performed. With laparoscopic cholecystectomy, rehabilitation is much faster, but the individual characteristics of the patient are also taken into account.

When is gallbladder surgery necessary?

Gallbladder surgery may be required if gallbladder disease has reached a stage where it cannot be cured by medication or diet.

In addition, surgery may be needed if there are large stones in the gallbladder or its channels that cannot be removed otherwise.

Surgery may also be recommended in cases where the patient has biliary obstruction, which can lead to complications such as choledocholithiasis and jaundice.

The decision to have surgery depends on many factors, including the age and general condition of the patient, the presence of comorbidities, and the severity of the gallbladder disease.

However, as a general rule, if gallbladder disease reaches a stage where surgery is unavoidable, the sooner it is performed, the less likely complications and the more favorable outcome for the patient.

Complications of gallbladder disease in women

Gallbladder disease is a serious problem that can lead to various complications. Among them, the most common in women are:

• Choledocholithiasis is the formation of stones in the common bile duct that can block the flow of bile. This can lead to jaundice, liver failure, and other serious problems.
• Cholangitis is an inflammation of the bile ducts that can lead to acute infection. Symptoms are jaundice, right upper quadrant pain, and fever.
• Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas that can be caused by gallstones blocking the bile ducts. Symptoms include severe pain in the upper abdomen, vomiting, and fever.

Complications of gallbladder disease can be serious and potentially life-threatening. If you notice symptoms of gallbladder disease in yourself or have previously been diagnosed with it, you should seek help from a doctor.

How to prevent gallbladder disease?

Many people experience gallbladder problems, one of which is cholecystitis. However, precautions can be taken to prevent the development of gallbladder disease.

• Proper nutrition: Eat a balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits and grains. At the same time, avoid fatty, fried and spicy foods.
• Moderate physical activity: Regular exercise can help maintain gallbladder health.
• Preventive measures: Smoking can worsen the condition of the gallbladder and cause various diseases. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid smoking and other bad habits.
• Weight control: Obesity is a risk factor for gallbladder disease. Watch your weight, reduce the risk of disease.

It is important to remember that gallbladder pathology is a serious problem that can lead to serious consequences. Therefore, you should be attentive to your health and take precautions.

Related videos:

Q&A:

What are the signs of problems with the gallbladder?

One of the most obvious symptoms is a feeling of heaviness and discomfort in the right upper abdomen. Nausea, vomiting, lack of appetite, and heartburn may also occur. The gallbladder can cause pain in the right shoulder and shoulder blade. Some women may develop a yellowish tint to the skin and whites of the eyes. If you find yourself experiencing these symptoms, it is recommended to see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

What causes gallbladder disease?

The main causes are malnutrition and metabolic disorders. Excess consumption of fatty, fried, spices and smoking can lead to such diseases. Other risk factors are being overweight, having diabetes, high cholesterol and hypertension. In some cases, the condition may be due to genetic factors or a side effect of medications.

What is the diagnosis of gallbladder diseases?

Ultrasonography of the gallbladder is usually used for diagnosis. If it is empty for several hours, then this may indicate a problem with the discharge of bile. In addition, other tests may be done, such as computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and blood cholesterol levels. If gallbladder cancer is suspected, a biopsy may be ordered.

What are the treatments for gallbladder diseases?

If caught early, lifestyle changes, including proper nutrition, regular exercise, and not smoking, can help. If the disease progresses, then you can use medication, for example, choleretic capsules or tablets, which help reduce pain and help remove bile. If all of these treatments have not worked, then surgery, such as removal of the gallbladder, may be required.

What are the possible complications in diseases of the gallbladder?

Complications may include conditions such as cholelithiasis, cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder), pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), and gallbladder cancer. Fortunately, the risks of these complications can be reduced with lifestyle changes and timely medical attention.

What are the most effective ways to prevent gallbladder disease?

Prevention starts with proper nutrition, which includes limiting fat and fried foods and increasing fruit, vegetable and grain intake.