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Signs & Symptoms of Gallbadder Disease

The gallbladder is a small organ situated under the liver that is responsible for collecting and storing bile. Bile, a thick yellowish-green liquid, is used in the small intestine to digest fats. When a person develops gallbladder disease, it can effect the storage and usage of bile. There are many forms of gallbladder disease, including gallstones, blockage of the common bile duct, gallbladder inflammation and infection of the gallbladder. In many cases, it can take years before a person begins experiencing symptoms as a result of gallbladder disease, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.

  1. Pain

    • One common complaint in people with gallstones and other forms of gallbladder disease is a form of abdominal pain called biliary colic, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Biliary colic is pain in the middle or upper right quadrant of the abdomen, where the gallbladder is located. The pain can be severe and is commonly experienced after eating fatty foods. Some people also experience nausea and vomiting when the pain develops. In addition, pain caused by biliary colic cannot be relieved with pain-relief medications or by changing positions or passing gas.

      In people who have inflammation of the gallbladder, biliary colic can be more persistent and severe. For example, the abdominal pain can radiate to the back or shoulders and may become more severe when inhaling. In some cases, people with gallbladder inflammation, also called acute cholecystitis, also develop a fever and chills.

    Gas

    • Passing gas by belching can also be a sign of gallbladder disease, according to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. The buildup of gas in the gastrointestinal tract can also cause bloating or the feeling of being full. However, these are also common signs of peptic ulcers and other gastrointestinal conditions. If you are experience these symptoms regularly, you should be evaluated by a doctor.

    Diarrhea

    • Chronic diarrhea is a symptom of chronic gallbladder disease, also called chronic cholecystitis. In people with the condition, the gallbladder becomes scarred, which can cause as many as four to 10 episodes of diarrhea every day, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. People with chronic gallbladder disease also commonly experience bloating and nausea.

    Liver Symptoms

    • In some cases, gallstones can block the common bile duct and cause more severe symptoms that indicate the liver is not working properly. These symptoms include jaundice, urine that is dark in color, pale-colored stools and a drop in blood pressure, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. When the common bile duct becomes infected because of gallstones, people can develop a fever, severe abdominal pain and nausea and vomiting. These conditions can be serious, and immediate medical attention is warranted.

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