The liver produces bile that helps the body with digestion, and this bile is sent to and stored in the gallbladder, according to the National Institutes of Health. There are various conditions that can affect the gallbladder, from inflammation to gallstones. If you are experiencing gallbladder troubles, the symptoms are fairly easy for your and your physician to recognize.
Pain
Pain in the upper left or mid-abdomen is the most common symptom of gallbladder troubles, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Often referred to as bilary colic, it occurs when the normal flow of bile from the gallbladder is hindered. Usually this is because gallstones block the bile duct, which causes the muscle cells in the bile duct to vigorously contract as it tries to remove whatever is inhibiting bile flow, as explained by Aetna InteliHealth. The pain is common after a meal, especially a high fat meal as the bile from the gallbladder helps digest fats. The pain can last from 1 to 4 hours or more. The pain can start as a dull ache or gnawing sensation or be severe and spread from the upper right abdomen to the back and shoulders, and may also be accompanied by nausea and vomiting. If pain is sharp and severe or lasts more than 5 hours, medical attention should be sought immediately.
Jaundice
When gallstones leave the gallbladder and get lodged in the bile duct it can lead to jaundice, which is a condition in which the mucous membranes, skin or eyes turn a yellow color, according to the National Institutes of Health. When it is related to gallbladder, jaundice occurs as a result of bile building up in the gallbladder because it cannot pass through the bile duct. The medical term for a blocked common bile duct is Choledocholithiasis. The jaundice that comes with Choledocholithiasis is often accompanied by urine that is darker or more yellow in color as well as rapid heart beat, fever, chills, nausea and severe pain. These symptoms may come on suddenly or gradually worsen. If you experience jaundice, medical attention should be sought immediately.
Pancreatitis
If a gallstone lodges in the pancreatic duct, it can lead to pancreatitis. The pancreas secretes juices that help with digestion, but if these juices build up in the pancreas, it can result in inflammation of the pancreas which is accompanied by severe abdominal pain, according to the Mayo Clinic. Pancreatitis can become severe and often requires a hospital stay.
