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Signs & Symptoms of Gallbladder Infections

Nearly 90 percent of gallstones have no symptoms, however there is a small chance of pain appearing within the first 10 years after gallstones have developed. Eight years is the average time period for symptoms to develop, and after 10 years the chances of symptoms developing significantly decline.

  1. Gallbladder Inflammation

    • Gallbladder inflammation occurs when stones and sludge block the duct. Severe and constant pain in the upper right abdomen may occur frequently and may worsen when taking a breath. You may also experience pain under the shoulder blades or breastbone on the left side of your body. Generally, between 1 percent and percent of people with gallstones develop an inflamed gallbladder.

    Biliary Colic

    • Biliary colic is the most common and mildest symptom of gallbladder disease. Pain may occur in the mid or on the right side of the upper abdomen. This condition usually disappears after several hours, and if pain continues a more serious condition might be present. Episodes normally occur at the same time of day. Large meals may trigger pain, which may occur a few hours after eating. Biliary colic often wakes patients in the night, and vomiting or nausea may be present.

    Chronic Cholecystitis

    • Chronic cholecystitis, or chronic gallbladder disease, causes mild inflammation and may cause the gallbladder to become scarred and stiff. Gas, abdominal discomfort, nausea and chronic diarrhea after meals are common symptoms. However, symptoms vary from patient to patient and can be difficult to distinguish due to the vagueness of the symptoms.

    Acute Cholecystitis

    • Acute cholecystitis is caused by bile becoming trapped in the gallbladder, which can cause irritation, perforation and bacterial infections within the organ. Abdominal pain in the upper-middle or upper-right side is the most common symptom of acute cholecystitis. Jaundice, clay colored stools, fever and nausea are also common symptoms of this condition.

    Gallstones

    • Formed from harden liquid that is stored in the gallbladder, gallstones are the most common disorder that affects the gallbladder and bile ducts. Once a gallstone moves into the bile duct, it creates a blockage and pressure may increase. Yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes, clay-colored stools and prolonged pain that lasts for 5 or more hours are common symptoms of gallstones.

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