Gallbladder stones are one of the main problems that can affect this essential organ in the body. The gallbladder stores bile and helps us to digest. But would you know how to recognize the symptoms of a vesicular disease?
The usual presence of excess gas, grayish stools, or whitish urine are some symptoms that can alert you to a problem and indicate the need to see a doctor. Grab a pen and paper and take notes.
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What function does the gallbladder have?
The gallbladder is pear-shaped and is located on the right side of the stomach, below the liver. It is a small sac where the bile is stored; This substance comes precisely from the liver.
The bile stored in the gallbladder is essential for digestion since it acts as an emulsifier for fats. In other words, it allows them to be digested and absorbed at the intestine level.
Gallstones are the primary disease of the gallbladder, in addition to infections. According to specialized sources, the incidence is two to three times higher among women than men. The use of oral contraceptives, pregnancy, or diabetes are some factors that influence its appearance.
Nine symptoms of a disease in the gallbladder
Biliary conditions often do not produce noticeable symptoms, however, according to the sources already cited and the details provided in this MSD Manuals publication, the following are some of the most frequent.
1. Bloating and gas
When there is some problem, and the bile is not channeled correctly, or the gallbladder is inflamed, it is typical for the digestive system not to work correctly, and you feel that your digestions are heavier.
In case of discomfort, gas, and continuous belching are very common. To be a significant nuisance, these symptoms must occur daily.
The presence of this discomfort for one or two days is regular, but if ten days go by and you notice that the abdomen is still swollen and stiff, it is appropriate to consult your doctor.
2. Nausea and dizziness
Notice how you feel hours after you have eaten your lunch or the main meal of the day. If you notice some weakness or experience nausea and dizziness, it is best to sit down and put your hand on your abdomen.
Is it hard? Do you burp easily? If, in addition to poor digestion, you notice that dizziness and nausea appear every day, you likely have a gallbladder problem.
3. Punctual pain in the back, abdomen, and right arm
The pests are a characteristic symptom that there is a malaise. A heaviness in the stomach and pain that extends to both the right side of the back and the arm on the same side can be a sign of a biliary condition.
This is because the gallbladder is located on the right side of the abdomen and next to the liver. If it becomes inflamed, that entire area will be affected, and a particular pain will occur.
Remember that sometimes the pain can start suddenly and in the form of an attack if it were, for example, a gallstone.
Studies affirm that this is an intense pain in waves that can last 15 minutes, then disappear and reappear. In addition, the pain can be lessened with antispasmodic medications and made worse by eating high-fat foods.
If the biliary disease is advanced and there are several stones, the pain can be intense and even affect the shoulder blades. Do not hesitate and go to the medical consultation.4. Pay attention to urine
Observing the tonality of the urine is necessary to warn of possible diseases. If the urine is very white, the gallbladder may have a problem. In more severe cases, such as cholangitis, the urine may turn dark, as the American College of Gastroenterology notes.
5. The color of the stool is key
Gray chairs, without much hue and somewhat loose, may be due to a low level of bile. Also, if these are clay-colored, it could be a sign of a biliary condition, according to the MedlinePlus encyclopedia.
It is also common for people with gallbladder problems to suffer numerous episodes of diarrhea. You must take this into account to inform the doctor.
6. Bad breath and fever
If you notice that you have started to feel discomfort or a strange taste and perceive an unpleasant breath you cannot get rid of, take note of its duration. Has it only been a day or two? So no problem. But if it persists for several days, then talk to your doctor.
7. Fever
The fever in vesicular affections can appear in the morning and at the end of the afternoon. It can result from a severe infection or inflammation of the gallbladder, liver, or pancreas.
It is essential to monitor your temperature and seek medical attention if it reaches values above 39°C. The use of antipyretics can partially attenuate this symptom.
8. Jaundice, a possible symptom of gallbladder disease
Have you perhaps noticed that your skin tone has turned a bit yellowish? Or that your eyes have suddenly acquired this hue? So, do not hesitate and go to the doctor.
It may be jaundice, a symptom caused by gallstones in the bile duct, causing bile to back up into the liver and the bloodstream. It is a serious matter, and you have to consider it. Don’t neglect yourself!
Knowing the symptoms of gallbladder disease can help you get proper treatment quickly. The sooner you tell your doctor, the sooner you can recover. Of course, you should remember that improving your eating habits and other aspects will be necessary.
9. Loss of appetite and weight loss
The decreased desire to eat is a common symptom in gastrointestinal diseases, as in the case of gallbladder disorders. It is usually associated with a swollen abdomen and a distended stomach. In addition, poor digestion and gas production also contribute to this discomfort.
In the case of chronic and tumor diseases, loss of appetite is often accompanied by involuntary weight loss. It is vital to communicate weight changes to the doctor since it is an alarm sign that needs to be addressed.
Among the inflammations of the gallbladder is cholecystitis
When gallstones block the gallbladder’s ducts, a rash caused by the accumulation of bile, known as cholecystitis, occurs. It is caused by tumors, diseases, or infections linked to the bile duct. If cholecystitis is not treated, rupture can occur, which is quite severe and requires gallbladder removal. Symptoms include pain that encompasses the right shoulder and back or abdomen when palpated, nausea, vomiting, and fever. You should know that you can live without a gallbladder since the bile will go directly from the liver to the interior of the small intestine to fulfill its function. You may notice, yes, some changes in digestion, but nothing that a low-fat diet doesn’t make you feel better and better. Losing weight and eating healthy are part of the measures to avoid suffering from cholecystitis and gallbladder problems in general.
It is vital to see a health professional early.
As you can see, there are several symptoms associated with gallbladder problems. Most are notorious when the disease has evolved and requires a professional approach. For this reason, do not hesitate to seek medical attention if you suspect a biliary disease.
Some warning signs that require immediate consultation with a specialist are intense abdominal pain that prevents rest and high fever. In addition, yellowing of the skin and mucous membranes usually indicates a problem with the gallbladder, liver, or blood.