Each time you consume a fatty meal, the gallbladder releases bile, a greenish liquid that helps to digest fat. The liver produces bile; however, excess bile is stored in the gallbladder and secreted into the small intestine when fat is present. Gallbladder symptoms following a fatty meal may signify the presence of gallstones, a condition where hardened lumps of bile salts block the passage of bile from the gallbladder to the small intestine.
Gallbladder Function
The gallbladder is located below the liver, in the upper right abdomen. Bile, produced by the liver, can enter the small intestine by way of the common bile duct. Bile, stored in the gallbladder, is secreted into the small intestine through the cystic duct, which is connected to the common bile duct. Bile is used not only to break down ingested fats but to release toxic waste products extracted from the blood by the liver.
Formation of Gallstones
Excess bile produced by the liver is stored in the gallbladder. Once in the gallbladder, water is extracted from the bile, thus making it concentrated. Over time, hard lumps of bile salts and cholesterol can form. Small gallstones exit the gallbladder through the cystic and common bile ducts easily and without pain; however, larger stones can block the ducts, preventing bile from flowing from the gallbladder to the intestine and causing extreme pain. The presence of fat in food triggers the secretion of bile; however, large stones can prevent its passage.
Fat Digestion
When fat is ingested, a hormone called cholecystokinin is secreted, which triggers the release of bile from the gallbladder. Bile contains bile acids, water, electrolytes, phospholipids, cholesterol and bilirubin. Bile salts break down large particles of fat into smaller absorbable units. We produce 400 to 800 milliliters of bile per day.
Gallbladder Symptoms
Gallbladder symptoms may include severe pain in the upper right abdomen and nausea and vomiting following a fatty meal. The pain can come and go and can radiate to the right shoulder. A blocked cystic duct will cause gallbladder inflammation, infection and fever. Symptoms such as bloating, burping, or indigestion are not indicative of gallstones. The "British Medical Journal" reports that 90 percent of individuals with gallstones remain asymptomatic.
Treatment
Treatment is based upon the cause of the gallbladder symptoms. Gallstones can be removed surgically or dissolved with medication. It is prudent to avoid high-fat meals and reduce risk factors such as obesity, diabetes and oral contraceptives.
