Signs & Symptoms of Gallbladder Infection

Gallbladder infections occur most often in women, people over the age of sixty, and people on restricted calorie diets of less than eight hundred calories per day. Gallbladder infections are sometimes referred to as gallbladder attacks, and according to the Mayo Clinic, are usually caused by gallstones. Many people who develop gallstones do not have symptoms, although gallstones that block the passages to other organs such as the liver or pancreas may result in intense pain and widespread infection.

Pain

• According to the Mayo Clinic, pain is the most common symptom of gallbladder infections. It may occur in the upper abdomen or between and around the shoulders.

Itching

• Intense itching in the skin can be a symptom of a gallbladder infection. It happens when where is a buildup of bile in the blood due to inflammation of the bile duct.

Heartburn

• Decreases in the flow of substances such as bile that help the body break down food may slow down digestion and cause acid reflux. This is another symptom of gallbladder infection.

Jaundice

• Infection of the gallbladder may cause jaundice, which includes yellowing of the skin and eyes, as well as dark urine and light stool.

Nausea

• Nausea and vomiting, especially after eating fatty or fried foods, are symptoms of gallbladder infection, because of problems with the flow of bile.

Weight Loss

• Gallbladder infections can cause weight loss by limiting the amount of enzymes from the pancreas. These enzymes help with food absorption and passage through the digestive tract.

Warning

• Untreated gallbladder infections may spread into the small intestine, liver or pancreas, which may be life-threatening, according to the Mayo Clinic.