The gallbladder is a small pouch located just underneath the liver on the upper right side of the abdomen that stores a digestive secretion called bile. Bile helps in the digestion of fats, but occasionally this substance can harden into small stones called gallstones. Bile normally contains cholesterol, but when the concentration of cholesterol is increased, the likelihood of developing stones is increased. Overweight or obese individuals are at higher risk for developing gallstones as are those who rapidly lose weight and those who have had gallstones in the past. Gallstones can cause a variety of symptoms.
Pain
When a gallstone forms in the gall bladder, it will eventually travel into one of several ducts and can block the normal flow of bile. This blockage creates pressure that can lead to pain. According to Mayo Clinic, gallstones may cause sudden and rapidly intensifying pain in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen, pain between the shoulder blades or pain over the right shoulder blade. According to ehealthMD.com, pain symptoms often occur an hour or two after eating a particularly fatty meal.
Nausea/Vomiting
Gallstones can also lead to nausea and vomiting as they affect normal digestion. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, nausea and vomiting are more serious signs that should be addressed by a doctor. Most patients who develop gallstones don't have any symptoms as the stones are not large enough to cause a blockage; however, nausea and vomiting are signs that the blockage may be leading to infection and inflammation of the gallbladder. About 20% of individuals who experience an acute gallstone attack can develop infection and perforation of the gallbladder, according to University of Maryland.
Jaundice
Jaundice is a condition characterized by yellowing of the skin or eyes. It is caused in this case by excessive bilirubin in the blood, which is one of the main componenets of bile. When a gallstone blocks the free flow of bile out of the gallbladder, bilirubin backs up into the liver and spills over into the blood, according to ehealthmd.com. The increased bilirubin in the blood is deposited in the tissues and is recognized in the skin and eyes. This is referred to as obstructive jaundice, and individuals with this condition are usually very ill and may require surgery to remove the blockage. If left untreated, obstructive jaundice can cause serious health problems and death.
Fever/Chills
Any patients with a high fever and chills in conjunction with a gallbladder attack should seek immediate medical attention, as this is a sign that an infection is at work, according to Mayo Clinic. Fever and chills are usually signs that the gallstone has blocked the common bile duct, which prevents flow of pancreatic secretions as well as bile.
