Your gall bladder is responsible for storing bile acids that are released when your body needs to digest fat. The gall bladder can develop an infection or gall stones; it can also become inflamed or blocked. If the gall bladder is not functioning properly your body may have difficulty digesting fat. Being aware of the symptoms of gall bladder disease will help you know when it is time to see your physician for further testing.
Pain
If the gall bladder becomes infected or blocked by stones you may experience pain. According to the University of Pennsylvania Medicine the pain usually occurs near the ribs or the right side of the abdomen. The pain may come and go or be steady. It may be a sharp knifing pain or a dull cramp. In some cases the pain may radiate to the abdomen, chest, lower back or below the right shoulder blade. The pain may become worse after eating a fatty meal and it may awaken you at night.
Other Symptoms
The National Institutes of Health states that gall bladder disease may also cause vomiting, fever and general feelings of being ill. This may be accompanied by feeling full, abdominal discomfort, acid reflux, heartburn, loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss, clay colored stools and nausea. These symptoms accompanied by the pain described above help to confirm a diagnosis of gall bladder disease.
Additional Symptoms
If your gall bladder disease becomes worse, the University of Maryland Medical Center states that your pain may become constant and severe. It may even be painful to take a breath. You may also develop a fever with chills or jaundice. You may notice that your urine is dark and your heart beat is rapid. In addition, your blood pressure may rapidly drop. Severe symptoms need immediate medical attention.
