Gallbladder disease, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, usually develops over a period of years. In most cases, the gallstones that don't pose any initial problems though over time they may cause the gallbladder to become inflamed. Occasionally, a stone becomes lodged in the bile duct, causing significant pain and possible infection. Many people suffering from gallbladder symptoms have surgery to remove the gallbladder and reduce or eliminate the discomfort.
Symptoms of Biliary Pain or Colic
Biliary colic is caused by the development of gallstones in the gallbladder and possibly, the bile ducts that lead to the liver. The most often experienced symptom of biliary colic is pain in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen. The pain may be dull at first, but will often worsen, especially after eating a meal that is high in fat. In addition to pain, an individual with biliary colic will experience frequent bouts of nausea. As the disease advances, the individual may experience signs of digestive problems such as heartburn and indigestion. Many people with biliary colic will consciously or unconsciously avoid foods that can trigger an attack of pain.
Symptoms of Gallbladder Inflammation
Acalculous cholecystitis, according to the National Institutes of Health, usually occurs in critically ill patients and is caused by a blockage in the gallbladder. This can be caused by a gallstone or even by debris in the gallbladder and the symptoms are similar to that of biliary colic but more severe. The pain in the upper right abdominal area will remain severe and you may experience difficulty drawing a full breath. In addition, the pain may radiate to the shoulder blade or the back and may be accompanied by signs of infection including a fever and chills. Severe nausea and vomiting may also be experienced and requires immediate medical attention. Cholecystitis can progress quickly into gallbladder perforation or tissue death and is an emergency situation.
Symptoms of Chronic Cholecystitis
Chronic cholecystitis, more commonly known as chronic gallbladder disease, is caused by gallstones and inflammation. Over time with these symptoms, the gallbladder may develop scar tissue and function less efficiently. Symptoms of chronic cholecystitis are generally vague and include indigestion or discomfort after eating. In addition, a person may experience chronic diarrhea for several months.
Symptoms of Stones in the Common Bile Duct
Choledocholithiasis presents in a similar fashion to acalculus cholecystitis but can also cause other troubling symptoms. An individual with choledocholithiasis may develop jaundice, a yellowing of the skin and of the whites of the eyes that results when the toxins that would normally be excreted are trapped by a blocked bile duct. The urine may darken and the person may pass light colored stool. The condition deteriorates quickly and can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure and rapid heartbeat. Fever, chills and severe pain eventually occur, indicating an infection that is a life-threatening medical emergency.
Removal of the Gallbladder
Many people suffering for years with symptoms of gallbladder problems make the decision with their physician to have surgery. The removal of the gallbladder, known as a cholecystectomy, is performed under general anesthesia and can be performed with an incision in the abdomen or by laparoscopic surgery. In laparoscopic gallbladder removal, the surgeon makes several small incisions and a harmless gas is used to inflate the abdomen so that the organs are easy to see. The blood vessels and bile duct are severed and the gallbladder removed.
Gallbladder surgery is fairly common and has few side effects. Some individuals may experience minor abdominal discomfort, indigestion and diarrhea after surgery but these symptoms usually go away over time.
