The gallbladder, a small organ below the liver, helps the body with digestion by breaking down fats. Extra fats can hinder its ability to function correctly. This may cause gallstones and crystallization of fats to develop.The person may not know he has gallstones because they can remain in the gallbladder without causing symptoms, the National Institutes of Health indicates. Eventually, the gallbladder becomes inflamed and surgery is needed to remove them.
Abdominal Pain
A person with gallstones may experience pain in the right upper abdomen caused by gallstone irritation in the gall bladder. The gallbladder becomes inflamed and pain may remain severe for hours. Swelling of the gallbladder and pressure within the abdomen will contribute to cause discomfort, the National Institutes of Health indicate.
Back Pain
Back pain occurs as referred pain associated with the inflamed gall bladder, symptom of gallstones. The pain may last for hours depending on the condition of the gallbladder and size of the gallstones, the National Institutes of Health indicate. If blockage occurs, the pain may increase and become quite severe. The person will need to go to the hospital for treatment.
Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting may occur, as the digestive system cannot operate appropriately due to the gallbladder's inflammation. The person may even vomit bile because of the excess amount in the body, the National Institutes of Health indicates.
Jaundice
Jaundice occurs when bile from the gallbladder backs up into the liver and body, causing a yellowish tone to the person's skin. His eye whites, called sclera, also may become yellow. Jaundice remains a serious sign that treatment needs to occur as soon as possible, the National Institutes of Health report.
Fever
Fever may occur once the gallbladder has become infected, the National Institutes of Health reports. The gallbladder may burst in the abdomen, causing other problems to occur as well. Peritonitis, another infection of the abdomen that can occur along with an infection initiated by gallstones, classifies as a serious illness, which can cause death. This warrants a trip to the emergency room to have the symptoms of the gallbladder attacks evaluated.
