A gallbladder attack is a painful and potentially life-threatening condition, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. CureResearch.com states 2,830 deaths related to the gallbladder were reported in the United States in 1999. Eating a healthy diet may reduce your risk of suffering gallbladder disease. Paying attention to the symptoms of gallbladder disease will not only relieve discomfort, it may save your life.
Pain
The liver produces bile, which is stored in the gallbladder until it is needed by the digestive system. The bile travels from the liver to the gallbladder and then from the gallbladder to the intestines through a series of ducts. When the gallbladder is not functioning correctly, pressure builds in the gallbladder because bile cannot drain properly. This pressure causes pain. Pain on the right side is a very common symptom of gallbladder problems because the gallbladder is located on the right side of the body, just beneath the liver. People will sometimes complain of right shoulder pain. Severe abdominal pain is a symptom of an acute gallbladder attack and medical help should be sought immediately.
The pain associated with gallbladder problems usually occurs several hours after eating. Depending on the person's eating schedule, the symptoms may happen at the same time every day. These pains may awaken the person at night.
Fever
Fever associated with gallbladder problems is an indication that there is inflammation or infection. Merck Manual Online states that gallbladder inflammation is usually caused by gallstones. Gallstones can form when the bile contains too much cholesterol, bile salts, or bilirubin. If one or more of these stones become lodged in parts of the gallbladder or liver, severe damage or infection may ensue.
Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea is a symptom of gallbladder distress. Vomiting may accompany nausea in acute cases. Nausea is usually caused by the buildup of bile, and vomiting is the body's way of expelling the bile quickly.
Indigestion
Indigestion, bloating and gas may be a sign of gallbladder problems. A person may experience acid reflux and a bad taste in his mouth. These symptoms may worsen after he eats fried or fatty meals. Bile contains ingredients that break up fats to make them easier for digestion. A fatty meal causes distress because the malfunctioning gallbladder is called upon to produce extra bile and that excess bile is trapped inside the gallbladder.
Bowel Problems
Light or clay-colored stools, diarrhea or constipation may be symptomatic of gallbladder disease. Bile contains the waste product bilirubin, which gives bile and stool a yellow color. Too much bile would lighten the color of the stool. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that chronic diarrhea, consisting of four to 10 bowel movements a day for at least three months, is also a symptom of a dysfunctional gallbladder.
