The gall bladder is a tiny organ that is usually left unnoticed till a problem appears. It is a pear-shaped, approximately four inches long organ, present in the upper right portion of the abdomen under the liver.
Gall bladder stores bile which is a juice produced by the liver. Bile juice helps in fat digestion and also allows the human body to absorb fat-soluble vitamins.
When a gall bladder works fine, it stores and releases bile juice effortlessly, however, if any problem occurs then a person feels intolerable pain and discomfort. Here we are discussing about the signs of Gall Bladder problems that one may experience when this organ is not healthy.
Vomiting or Nausea
Vomiting or nausea can be caused by underlying issues of the gall bladder. This may not happen initially but if the disease continues for a long period, it leads to frequent vomiting. It happens because of digestive problems, especially after meals.
Severe pain in the abdomen
You can feel extreme pain in the upper right or mid-abdomen that is wavy as it comes all of sudden and goes. Initially, the pain can be mild but becomes severe if left treated. Pain in the back and chest might also be experienced.
Change in Urine Color
A person with a gall bladder problem may experience the difference in urine color. It can be an indication of blockage in the bile duct.
Low-Grade Fever
Fever indicates infection in the gall bladder. A person experiences this symptom along with other signs.
Jaundice
Bile juice helps in the digestion of fat and fat-soluble vitamins and the intestines play a major role in this process. A person with a gall bladder problem may get jaundice, a condition when the skin becomes pale and yellow. The problem indicates a blockage in the bile duct that is caused by gallstones or a problem with the liver.
Diarrhea
Changes in bowel movements might be due to gall bladder issues. Unexplained and frequent diarrhea indicates that the gall bladder is not up to the mark. Problems in bile ducts lead to chalky and light-colored stools.
Also Read: 9 Common Early Signs of Diabetes
Prevention is better than Cure: What All You Can Do to Prevent Gall Bladder Problems?
Absolute prevention of gall bladder issues is impossible. However, people can take certain steps to lower the risks of developing gall bladder stones or infections. According to data, it is found that women are prone to gallbladder-related issues.
People over 40 years with a family history of gall stones and obesity have an increased risk of gall bladder problems, especially gall stones. The preventive measure includes weight loss, a diet with lots of fiber, and a sufficient amount of water intake.
What is the Treatment of Gall bladder Issues?
There are several treatments for gall bladder problems such as:
1. Antibiotics
Antibiotic treatment is used to treat an infection. This is given before surgery.
2. Medicine to treat Pain
Frequent gall bladder attacks need pain medicine to give sudden pain relief. Healthcare provider prescribes the right medication depending on the medical history and symptoms.
3. Endoscopic Examination
Minor gall bladder issues can be fixed using an endoscope and your healthcare provider can suggest this before the surgery. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) can help in diagnosing and treating gallbladder problems such as tumors, blockages, and stones that cause problems.
While examining, a healthcare provider can remove gall stones and place stents that help in opening bile ducts. Tissue samples are taken for biopsy which is done by a specialized instrument.
4. Surgery
Gall bladder removal surgery also known as cholecystectomy is an effective and permanent way to get rid of gall bladder problems. Humans can live without a gall bladder and it is a common treatment.
Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally-invasive process that effectively removes the gall bladder. Only small incisions are required in laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Open surgery may be required in case of complicated issues of infection.
What causes Gall Stones? (Signs of Gall Bladder Problems)
Too much bilirubin or cholesterol in bile can cause gallstones. Insufficient salts in bile can also cause gallstones. However, medical practitioners do not fully know why these alterations occur in bile.
When the gall bladder does not empty bile completely then gall stones may also form. It is seen that some people have more gallstones because of obesity, dieting issues, or hereditary.
Gallstones are also formed when there is an imbalance in gallbladder chemicals like calcium bilirubin, cholesterol, and calcium carbonate.
Types of Gallstones
There are two specific types of gallstones.
- Cholesterol Gallstones are formed when bile juice contains a high amount of cholesterol. This type is commonly found in Western countries.
- Pigment Gallstones are formed when there is too much bilirubin in bile. Generally, people with liver issues have pigment gallstones. Infection in bile ducts or disorders in blood like anemia can also lead to pigment gallstones.
There is no evidence why some people have a chemical imbalance in the gallbladder causing gallstones. Obesity can be regarded as a major cause and this is seen especially in women. People with large waist sizes have higher chances of developing gallstones and the only option left in the treatment is stone removal surgery.
Which Diet is the Best for a Person suffering from Gall Bladder Problem?
Earlier it was thought that prevention or treatment of gallstones can be done if a person consumes a low-fat diet. Later many studies and researches suggest that a change in diet cannot treat them nor even prevent their growth.
It is found that losing weight too much and rapidly can lead to an increase in the size of gallstones. A balanced diet with varieties of food options can improve health and help in controlling the pain caused by gallstones.
High-fiber foods like peas, beans, whole grains, fruits, and veggies are always good for health. Reducing sugar, and carbohydrate and consuming less fat can keep you healthy.
Concluding Remarks
Gallbladder problems can catch you anytime and it might be possible that the situation has become serious by the time signs appear. Luckily with the advancement in medical science, minimally invasive surgery or laparoscopy can help in treating the problem. Symptoms should be considered seriously and do not wait for acute symptoms for treatment.
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