Gallbladder Infection Symptoms

Gallbladder infections typically arise as a result of gallstones, small crystals created by bile or cholesterol solidifying in the gallbladder. Most gallstone cases do not develop an infection, however sometimes stones will lodge in the bile ducts. This blockage causes inflammation of the gallbladder or liver, and potentially leads to infection and long-term damage to the gallbladder, liver or pancreas. Discuss your symptoms with a health-care professional to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.

Abdominal Pain and Cramping

• Severe pain in the upper right abdominal region is the primary complaint of those suffering from some type of gallbladder infection. The pain varies from sharp and cramping to dull and aching. It may extend into the back and right shoulder blade. Diets that are high in grease and fatty foods may trigger pain from an existing gallbladder infection. Pain is also known to start suddenly in the middle of the night.

Nausea and Vomiting

• Nausea and vomiting are additional complaints that arise from those suffering from a gallbladder infection. These symptoms do not require medical treatment unless they continue for more than a day. The primary concerns are malnourishment and dehydration if food and liquids cannot be kept down.

Fever and Chills

• Fever is the main symptom that indicates the body is fighting an infection. Fever, however, only occurs in a small percentage of those with a gallbladder infection. In cases where fever does exist, the body temperature rises to an average 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit and stabilizes. The fever is rarely accompanied by chills.

Skin Sensitivity

• Skin sensitivity and intense itching are sometimes caused by a gallbladder infection. This is due to the bile's buildup in the bloodstream from the inflammation of the bile ducts.

Clay-Colored Stool

• Bile provides brown coloration to what is considered a normal bowel movement. When a gallbladder infection prevents bile from reaching the small intestine to assist with digestion, the body does not absorb the food's fat content. Stool lightens to a clay color due to this absence of bile and may appear greasy for the same reason.

Jaundice

• Jaundice is the medical term for the yellowing of the skin and mucous membranes. It is the result of an overabundance of bilirubin, the byproduct of old red blood cells. The blocked bile ducts that result from a gallbladder infection prevent bilirubin from making its way from the liver through the gallbladder to the small intestine. When the bilirubin builds up, it sometimes manifests as jaundice.