The gallbladder is a pear-shaped sac located under the liver on the upper right side of the abdomen. The gallbladder stores and concentrates bile, which is produced in the liver. Bile aids in the digestion of fats and is released from the gallbladder into the duodenum (upper small intestine) in response to foods, especially fats.
The gallbladder may stop working normally for a variety of reasons, including inflammation of the organ, gallstones, gangrene or abscess, tumors or polyps and other disorders. The symptoms vary according to the cause of the condition.
Biliary Colic
The mildest and most common symptom of gallbladder disease is intermittent pain called biliary colic. The pain, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, is a steady gripping or gnawing pain in the upper right abdomen near the rib cage that lasts for one to several hours. Nausea or vomiting may also occur. Changing position, taking over-the-counter pain relievers and passing gas do not relieve the symptoms. Episodes usually occur several hours after eating and often awake the patient during the night. Large or fatty meals may trigger the pain.
Symptoms of Acute Cholecystitis
Acute cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder) occurs when stones or sludge block the bile duct. The symptoms are similar to those of biliary colic but are more severe and last longer. Pain in the upper right abdomen, sometimes radiating to the back or under the shoulder blades, may last for days. Nausea and vomiting may occur, and one-third of patients with acute cholecystitis also have fever and chills. If left untreated, infection, gangrene and perforation of the gallbladder may occur.
Symptoms of Chronic Cholecystitis
Chronic gallbladder disease (chronic cholecystitis) involves gallstones and mild inflammation, causing the gallbladder to become scarred. Symptoms may include gas, nausea, and abdominal discomfort after meals, as well as diarrhea (four to 10 bowel movements a day) for at least three months.
Symptoms of Choledocholithiasis
Choledocholithiasis (stones lodged in the common bile duct) can cause symptoms that are similar to those produced by stones that lodge in the gallbladder. They may also cause jaundice (yellowing of the skin), dark urine, lighter stools, rapid heartbeat, abrupt drops in blood pressure, fever, chills, nausea and vomiting, and severe pain in the upper right abdomen. Patients who have these symptoms should seek medical help immediately.
Symptoms of Gallbladder Cancer
Patients with gallbladder cancer may no symptoms until the cancer is in an advanced stage, reports the American Cancer Society. If early symptoms occur, they may include abdominal pain in the upper right section, nausea and vomiting, jaundice and enlarged gallbladder. Less commonly, the patient may experience loss of appetite, weight loss, abdominal swelling, severe itching and black, tarry stools.
