How to Identify Gallbladder Disease

The gallbladder acts as the storage depot for bile, which is manufactured by the liver and used to digest and absorb fat. Gallbladder disease occurs when the gallbladder or its ducts become blocked or infected.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Realize that cholecystitis (gall bladder disease) is the inflammation of the gallbladder. It's caused by infection, and is characterized by the presence of gallstones (concentrations of mineral salts) in the gallbladder.
2. Evaluate yourself for symptoms: pain, tenderness and rigidity of the upper right abdomen.
3. Know that there are two kinds of gallstones - those caused by pigments from the bile itself, and more commonly, those caused by cholesterol. Either way, they irritate the gallbladder, causing inflammation.
4. Understand that gallstones can obstruct the bile passages. If this happens, you may develop "biliary colic." Symptoms include fever, excruciating upper right abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting.
5. Observe whether your skin looks yellowish. If it is, you may be experiencing jaundice: Bile is unable to flow into the intestine, and so is instead absorbed by the blood, giving the skin a yellowish hue.
6. Suspect you may have gallbladder disease if your stools are clay-colored. This happens because bile is no longer coloring your feces.

Tips & Warnings

• By age 75, one out of every three people will have gallstones.
• If you are a woman, over 40, or obese, you have an increased risk of developing gallstones.
• Gallstones are often painless. Fifteen million Americans have gallstones and don't even know it.
• Be aware that if gallstones aren't treated, and continue to obstruct the ducts, peritonitis and necrosis can occur. These are both life-threatening conditions.
• If you have specific medical conditions or concerns, we recommend you contact a physician. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.