1. Identify Symptoms of Gallstones
An infection of the gallbladder usually begins as gallstones. Gallstones are small, pebble-like substances that develop when bile hardens in the gallbladder. Having gallstones is a fairly common condition and usually not cause for concern. Many people have asymptomatic gallstones and do not require any treatment.
However, if you've reached the point where your gallbladder has become infected, chances are you have already noticed gallstone symptoms. Typically, gallbladder pain is felt in the upper-right abdomen. It begins suddenly and rapidly gets worse, lasting anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours. You may feel referred pain in your back between your shoulder blades or under your right shoulder. After the pain subsides, you may continue to feel an ache or soreness in your abdomen.
Gallstone attacks often start after a fatty meal or in middle of the night. Once you've had one, you'll probably experience more attacks. You might also notice a problem with chronic indigestion.
2. Recognize Signs of Infection
Normal cases of gallstones do not involve infection. However, sometimes the gallstones become stuck in the bile ducts, blocking the flow of bile. If the bile remains blocked in the ducts, it can lead to inflammation of your gallbladder or liver. Over time, the inflammation progresses to infection and can cause serious damage to the gallbladder, liver or pancreas.
Fever is one of the signs that your body is fighting an infection, though normal gallstones do not present with fever. If you have gallstone symptoms and a fever, it is important that you consult with your doctor right away. Also seek medical attention if you have nausea or vomiting or if your stools are clay colored.
Inflammation or infection of the gallbladder causes more severe symptoms than regular gallstones. The pain can be intense, constant and last for days. You may notice that the pain gets worse whenever you inhale. You may also have more of a problem with pain radiating to your back.
3. Look for Jaundice With Gallbladder Infection
Jaundice is one the surest signs that your gallstones have progressed to an infection. With jaundice, your skin and the whites of your eyes become yellow. Jaundice in itself is not harmful and requires no treatment. It is a sign, however, that something is wrong with your body. When the other symptoms of gallstones are already present, jaundice signals that the bile ducts are blocked, preventing the excretion of bilirubin into the intestine. This symptom is a sign that you need immediate medical attention.
