According to the American Medical Association, approximately 20 percent of people over the age of 40 suffer from some sort of gallbladder disease. This disease leads to high levels of pain and can ultimately cause periods of hospitalization and even surgery. The organization points to an increasingly unhealthy diet and sedentary lifestyle as the main reason for increased gallbladder pain.
The most common type of person afflicted with gallbladder problems are people with weight problems. This is also common with those with high blood cholesterol levels and people with general gastro-intestinal disorders. In order to minimize the likelihood of developing gallbladder disease, physicians recommend annual check-ups that focus on the digestive system.
The gallbladder itself is a small organ associated with the liver. It collects bile produced by the liver and releases it in the small intestine during the digestion process. In order for fats to be properly digested, bile must be implemented into the digestive process as soon as they enter the stomach and small intestine.
The main cause of gallbladder pain is gallstones. These are small deposits of minerals that can block the release of bile from the liver. During an attack, the upper part of the abdomen becomes highly painful and can spread to the lower back. A gallstone needs to either be surgically removed or otherwise broken up using various tools such as sonic devices.
Another main cause of gallbladder pain stems from an intolerance to certain foods. The American Medical Association has shown that a number of different types of foods will essentially cause allergic reactions. These include fatty meats, dairy, eggs and highly-acidic fruits. A person suffering from gallbladder pain should maintain a diet high in fish, whole grains and green vegetables.
Other forms of digestive system problems can also lead to symptoms involving the gallbladder. A person who suffers from liver disease often suffers from gallbladder pain as well. In addition, gallbladder problems can sometimes be mistaken for other digestive disorders such as an acute pancreatitis.
According to a number of gastroenterologists, the best treatment for controlling gallbladder pain is to maintain a proper diet and limit trauma to the abdominal region of the body. Any sort of damage or excessive exercising of the abdomen can trigger additional symptoms. This can lead to a poor quality of life and many issues with sleeplessness due to pain.