It is necessary to understand the role the gallbladder plays in our bodies before we go on to gallbladder problems and the symptoms of the same. The gall bladder is a small organ that is pear shaped and is located on the right side of the body, just under the liver. The gallbladder stores and secretes the bile that is produced by the liver. This is the most important function of the gallbladder. Each time we eat, bile is released into the intestine. This is because the gallbladder is stimulated. Bile helps in digestion. Gallbladder problems and the symptoms occur due to various reasons. This could be due to an improper and irregular diet, obesity and so on. Gallbladder problems and the symptoms can also be brought on by other cause such as infections or hormonal disorders. Gallbladder problems and the symptoms tend to show up once gallstones form in the gallbladder. Gallstones form slowly over a period of time and this process of formation is referred to as cholelithiasis. During formation there is no pain or any other gallbladder symptoms. Most gallstones are formed from cholesterol but they can also be pigment stones. Gallstones can be either a few millimeters or several centimeters in diameter. There are many times when sludge (microscopic gallstones) is found in the gallbladder. These do not cause any pain and only make their appearance felt when they block the bile duct or there is an excess of sludge. The only two symptoms that can be linked to sludge are nausea and vomiting. Even then, the presence of sludge can only be determined by an ultrasound or by testing the contents found in bile itself. A blood test like a Liver Function Test (LFT) or a Complete Blood Count (CBC) can also diagnose gallbladder disease.
Common gallbladder problems and the symptoms are as follows:-
- Constant fatigue
- heartburn
- Fever, accompanied by shivering and chills
- Mild pain felt under the rib cage which slowly intensifies and spreads to the shoulder blades and other parts of the body.
- Nausea or queasiness, along with vomiting
- A feeling of fullness.
- Tenderness in the abdomen
- Recurrent abdominal pain, which becomes worse during inhalation. This abdominal pain can radiate to the lower back and body as well.
- Indigestion.
- Constipation or diarrhea (light or clay colored stools are another sign of gallbladder disease)
- Jaundice.
The above are also inflamed gallbladder symptoms.
Persons suffering from gallbladder disease are advised to follow a proper diet. A diet for gallbladder suffers should be one that is low in fat and long term as well. A low fat diet is recommended as foods that are low in fat are easy to digest. This is turn reduces the stress on the gallbladder and helps to get rid of gallstones as well. Research has shown that a proper gallbladder diet helps in both preventing and controlling gallbladder problems. What then, are gallbladder diet restrictions? A gallbladder diet is one that should be high in fiber and should also contain starchy foods like rice, bread and cereals. It is essential that you cut down on the intake of red meats. Giving them up altogether would help as well. Refined, fried and fatty foods should be avoided as far as possible. Try and eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Low fat dairy products should be included in this diet as well. Exclude foods that are rich in saturated fats. Replace fast foods with home cooked meals. It is also important to eat 4-5 small meals a day. Avoid eating late at night. Late night meals can trigger serious gallbladder attacks.
answered by G M