The gallbladder is a small sac located just under the liver in the right, upper abdomen. It stores bile produced by the liver and releases the bile into the small intestine to help with digestion of fats. Stones may form in the gallbladder, producing a blockage that causes swelling and pain. Problems may also develop in the absence of stones. Many people with gallstones have no symptoms.
Pain
Gallbladder pain is typically felt in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen, under the ribcage. The University of Maryland Medical Center describes the pain as a burning, gnawing or squeezing. The pain tends to increase in intensity. The pain may radiate to or be felt in the right shoulder area, under the shoulder blades or in the "pit" of the stomach. During acute attacks, the pain may last from 30 minutes to several hours. Symptoms may be triggered by fatty meals, and attacks in the middle of the night are not uncommon. Gallbladder pain does not tend to improve with antacids, over-the-counter pain relievers or passing gas. Attacks may be quite intermittent--even years apart--or they may increase in frequency. Pain that persists longer than five hours may indicate a more severe problem.
Signs of gallbladder disease include tenderness when the area is touched. This may worsen by taking a deep breath, notes The Merck Manual. Tensing of the abdominal muscles to protect the area may be involuntary.
Gastrointestinal Upset
Nausea and vomiting are nonspecific symptoms that may represent gallbladder dysfunction. Loss of appetite may also result. Gas and vague abdominal discomfort, especially after eating, may be caused by chronic gallbladder disease, according to the University of Maryland. Persistent diarrhea may also develop.
Other Signs
Fever may be a sign of gallbladder infection and inflammation. This may be accompanied by chills, states the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Severe gallbladder disease may lead to yellow jaundice of the skin, dark urine or light, clay-colored stools. These signs are due to the altered metabolism of the bile. An elevated heart rate and lowered blood pressure may be signs of severe illness, states the University of Maryland. Symptoms may be more vague in the elderly. In older persons, weakness, malaise and food refusal may predominate.
Signs of gallbladder inflammation or stones may appear on ultrasound, computed tomography scans or other radiographic examinations.
