What can a diseased gallbladder interfere with?
* Fat digestion. The gallbladder stores bile, which is a fluid that helps digest fats. If the gallbladder is diseased, it may not be able to release enough bile into the small intestine, which can lead to malabsorption of fats.* Nutrient absorption. Bile also helps absorb vitamins A, D, E, and K, which are all fat-soluble vitamins. If the gallbladder is diseased, these vitamins may not be absorbed properly, which can lead to deficiencies.
* Digestive symptoms. A diseased gallbladder can cause a variety of digestive symptoms, including:
* Abdominal pain
* Nausea
* Vomiting
* Diarrhea
* Constipation
* Gas
* Bloating
* Acid reflux
* Inflammation. A diseased gallbladder can become inflamed, which can lead to further damage to the organ and surrounding tissues.
* Infection. A diseased gallbladder can become infected, which can lead to serious complications, including sepsis.
* Gallstones. Gallstones are hard, crystallized deposits that can form in the gallbladder. Gallstones can cause a variety of symptoms, including pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever.