There are a variety of diseases that develop in the gallbladder. Some of the diseases produce remarkably similar symptoms, while others produce distinctive symptoms. Any reoccurring pain or pressure in the abdominal area is worth a trip to the doctor.
Gallstones are one of the most common ailments that may develop in the gallbladder. Gallstones are unique in that nearly 90% of people that suffer from them develop no symptoms at all. If gallstones do cause pain, it is very likely that you will have your gallbladder removed. Gallbladder removal is the most common treatment to eliminate gallbladder disease symptoms due to gallstones.
Some people who experience gallstones may develop a complicating condition known as acute cholecystitis. This is an inflammation of the gallbladder, and develops when gallstones block the ducts. Gallbladder disease symptoms associated with acute cholecystitis include nausea and vomiting as well as severe pain that is on the upper right side of the abdomen. Sufferers may also experience fever and chills as well. Acute cholecystitis can lead to perforation of the gallbladder or gangrene.
Chronic cholecystitis is a condition where the sufferer develops gallstones and the gallbladder becomes inflamed. It is common for the gallbladder to develop scar tissue and become stiff. Gallbladder disease symptoms of this ailment include excessive gas and pain in the abdomen after eating. The patient may also be nauseous and suffer from chronic diarrhea.
Sometimes stones develop in the bile duct as opposed to in the gallbladder. When this occurs, the patient may experience jaundice, pale stools and a rapid heartbeat, often combined with a drop in blood pressure. They may also experience the more common symptoms of gallbladder disease, including nausea, vomiting, fever, chills and pain in the upper right side of the abdomen.
Biliary colic is another condition of the gallbladder. Gallbladder disease symptoms that are associated with biliary colic include pain in the upper abdomen on the right side. The pain can be very intense and extend into the upper back. During an attack of biliary colic, the patient may suffer from nausea and vomiting as well.
There are many conditions that can affect the gallbladder. If you experience any of the symptoms above, it is important to seek medical treatment. While some conditions of the gallbladder cause discomfort or temporary pain, others are serious and can lead to permanent health problems if not treated promptly.