Signs and Symptoms of a Non-functioning Gall Bladder

The gallbladder is part of the digestive system. It's a small sac near the liver that produces bile to help digest fats. There are several conditions in which the gallbladder does not function properly, including infection, gallstones and cholecystitis, or inflammation of the gallbladder. When the gallbladder is not working properly, it can cause complications. In many cases, the treatment for a non-functioning gallbladder is to remove it surgically.

Biliary Colic

• When the gallbladder is not functioning properly, it can result in a type of abdominal pain called biliary colic. When this develops, you can experience pain in the middle or right side of the upper abdomen. The pain can radiate from the rib cage area to the shoulder and back. Episodes of biliary colic can be recurrent and often develop at the same time each day. The pain can last several hours or days and cannot be resolved with pain relievers.

Digestive Problems

• Other signs of a non-functioning gallbladder include digestive problems such as nausea and vomiting and abdominal bloating. In some cases, the upper abdomen may also be tender to the touch. Some people notice a decrease in appetite. Gas and chronic diarrhea can also be signs of a gallbladder problem.

Other Symptoms

• Some people with gallbladder problems will experience a fever with chills and excessive sweating. When gallstones are blocking the bile duct, you can develop jaundice, a rapid heartbeat, a drop in blood pressure and darker-colored urine and lighter-colored stools.