The gallbladder is a small organ situated beneath the liver that stores bile, a digestive liquid made by the liver. When it’s working properly, the gallbladder releases bile, which is necessary for digestion of fat and fat-soluble vitamins.
The development of gallstones is one of the most common gallbladder problems. Gallstones affect close to 25 million people in the United States. Gallstones can cause inflammation and sometimes serious complications can occur. In some cases, gallbladder inflammation can occur without the presence of gallstones.
Who’s at risk for gallbladder problems?
Anyone can develop gallbladder problems such as gallstones. However, some people are more at risk than others. The following risk factors raise the chances of developing gallbladder problems:
Being over 60 years old
Having a family history of gallbladder issues
Losing weight rapidly
Additionally, women and people of certain ethnicities have a higher likelihood of developing gallbladder issues. Due to differences in genes, Native Americans and Mexican Americans are at an increased risk of gallbladder issues.
Other risk factors for gallbladder problems include having obesity, diabetes, or high triglycerides.
Warning signs of gallbladder problems
Pain in the abdomen is one of the most common symptoms of gallbladder issues. This tends to occur after eating a meal that contains fat.
Other signs and symptoms of gallbladder problems include:
Pale stools
Nausea and vomiting
Bloating after a meal
Pain that worsens after a heavy meal
Discomfort in the upper right abdominal area
Feeling full after eating a small amount
An episode of gallbladder inflammation can last anywhere from hours to a few days. Problems with the gallbladder can lead to a number of serious, even life-threatening complications, including:
Pancreatitis
Bile duct infection
Bile duct blockage
Perforated gallbladder
Scarring of the bile duct
On the other hand, small gallstones may cause no symptoms at all, which is called “silent” gallbladder disease.
It’s important to visit a gastroenterologist for proper evaluation and treatment if you experience lasting or recurrent digestive symptoms. Seek immediate medical treatment if you experience serious symptoms, such as fever, chills, yellowing of the eyes, or very severe abdominal pain.
Treating gallbladder disease
Laparoscopic surgery is the most common treatment for gallbladder disease. This minimally invasive approach involves making small incisions and using small tubes, cameras, and special surgical instruments to extract the diseased gallbladder. Laparoscopic surgery results in less pain and faster recovery.
Left untreated, gallbladder problems can cause serious health complications. If you’re experiencing digestive problems, call to schedule an appointment with Dr. Madni at the Dallas, Texas, office. Or, you can request an appointment with the online booking tool while you’re here on our website.
