Gallbladder infection is a serious, potentially life-threatening complication of gallstone disease. Infection most commonly occurs due to gallstone obstruction of one of the ducts that transport bile from the gallbladder to the intestine. Bacteria in the bile may lead to gallbladder gangrene, rupture, abscess or a bloodstream infection. Recognizing symptoms that may indicate a gallbladder infection proves important, as this condition requires urgent medical treatment.
Fever
Fever is a characteristic symptom of gallbladder infection, notes the medical reference text "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine." Since fever does not typically occur with an uncomplicated gallbladder attack, the presence of fever is an important distinguishing characteristic that points to the likely presence of infection. In the reference text "Surgical Treatment, Evidence-Based and Problem-Oriented," Drs. Chi-Leung Liu and Sheung-Tat Fan report that fever is the most common symptom of gallbladder and bile system infection, occurring in more than 90 percent of patients.
A sudden temperature spike in someone with gallbladder-related symptoms and a low-grade fever may indicate the development of gallbladder gangrene, rupture or the development of a bloodstream infection.
Severe Pain
Gallbladder infection typically causes severe pain, which usually begins in the right or middle upper abdomen. This is the same location of pain associated with an uncomplicated gallbladder attack. Over time, however, the pain increases in intensity and becomes more generalized, a characteristic that helps distinguish a gallbladder infection from a gallbladder attack. The pain is also more enduring than that of a simple gallbladder attack. "The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals" reports that gallbladder-like pain that lasts for more than six hours points to the possibility of new-onset gallbladder infection or inflammation.
The right upper abdomen typically is tender to pressure during physical examination. Signs of abdominal cavity inflammation commonly occur, such as breath-stopping pain with deep inhalation. The abdominal wall muscles may involuntarily contract when the abdomen is pressed upon, a sign known as abdominal guarding. Unrelenting rigidity of the abdominal wall muscles may indicate gallbladder gangrene.
Temporarily diminished abdominal pain followed by the return of severe, generalized pain may signal gallbladder rupture. Pain briefly abates when pressure within the gallbladder is alleviated by organ rupture, but returns as the infected bile contaminates the abdominal organs and cavity.
Gastrointestinal Disturbances
Loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting often occur with an infected gallbladder, although these symptoms also prove common with a simple gallbladder attack. Abdominal distension caused by decreased intestinal activity in response to gallbladder infection or inflammation may also occur, notes "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine."
Heart Palpitations, Rapid Breathing and Confusion
A racing heartbeat, rapid breathing and confusion are typical symptoms of shock, which may develop if a gallbladder infection spreads to the bloodstream, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center. The development of shock is a medical emergency.
References
- "Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine, 16th Edition"; Dennis L. Kasper, M.D., et al., Editors; 2004
- Surgical Treatment, Evidence-Based and Problem-Oriented: Acute Cholangitis
- Penn State College of Medicine Milton S. Hershey Medical Center: Gallstones
- Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals: Cholecystitis
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Gallstones and Gallbladder Disease--Prognosis and Complications
