Signs and Symptoms of a Failing Gallbladder

The gallbladder is not a vital organ. So while it can be very beneficial to have when it is working properly, people can still live without it if they need to. Therefore, if your gallbladder begins to exhibit some of the problematic symptoms mentioned below, it could mean that your gallbladder is failing and may need to be removed altogether.

Identification

• The gallbladder is a tiny organ situated in our body between the liver (which sits atop it) and the lower intestine (directly beneath it). The gallbladder in not a vital organ--it can be removed and a person still live a healthy and productive life.

Function Complications

• The gallbladder's primary function is to secrete bile to aid in the breakdown of fats in the digestive process. The bile used in this process actually comes from the liver and is sent to the gallbladder, where it is strengthened before moving on into the stomach. However, if there becomes a blockage in the gallbladder tubes due to a stone formation, this can produce many symptoms until the stones are removed or pass on through the digestive system--acid reflux, yellowing of skin and whites of eyes, dark-colored urine, fever and chills at the same time, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.

Fatty Food Complications

• Since the gallbladder's primary function is to breakdown fat in foods, if people over indulge in fatty foods for long periods of time it can eventually lead to the failure of the gallbladder. One of the first signs that the gallbladder is experiencing complications in performing its job is when the individual begins to experience signs of digestion difficulties, including gas, burping, indigestion, acid reflux, the feeling of being too full or constipation. Although these signs can be indicative of other medical problems too, they can also be the beginning symptoms of future gallbladder problems. Experiencing acid reflux problems on a regular basis--in addition to having some of the above conditions--is a good indicator that the gallbladder is being affected adversely and may only get worse, eventually leading to failure, especially if these problems occur on a daily basis.

Gallbladder Attack

• A gallbladder attack usually occurs after the ingestion of a very large meal of fatty or greasy foods. However, it can also occur due to a gallstone blockage as well. If due to a meal, it can start with an uncomfortable feeling of fullness before moving on to the acid reflux stage, and then producing pain in the abdominal area, which may--or may not--eventually move on into the chest area, mimicking the pain felt in a heart attack. These attacks can be as short in duration as a few minutes to hours. Additionally, they can be so intense as to cause nausea and vomiting as well.

Gallbladder Failure and Cholecystectomy

• When your gallbladder actually fails, it can release toxins into your body and require immediate medical attention. Since problems with the gallbladder at this stage can include the aforementioned signs and symptoms, individuals usually seek medical attention right away due to the pain and other symptoms being experienced, as well as the fear that it is a heart attack occurring.

  Cholecystectomy is the medical name for removing the gallbladder, and it can be performed either laparoscopically or through the traditional surgical method. The removal of the gallbladder will prevent future gallstones, and it is not detrimental to the overall health of the digestive system.