Gall Bladder Diseases

Gallbladder Disease

The term gallbladder disease is used for different types of conditions which can affect the gallbladder. The gallbladder is a small pear-shaped sac located underneath the liver. The gallbladder’s main function is to store the bile which is produced by the liver and pass it along the duct that empties into the small intestine. Bile helps in digesting the fat in the small intestine. 

Gallbladder diseases can result in inflammation because the bladder walls get irritated and this problem is termed cholecystitis. The inflammation occurs due to gallstone blocking the ducts reaching the small intestine and it results in building up the bile.

What are the types of gallbladder disease?

Gallstones
Gallstones develop when substances in the biles or from hard particles which affect the passageways to the bile ducts and gallbladder. 
Gallstones’ problems occur when the gallbladder is not going to get empty. The gallstone size can be as small as the grain of sand or they can be extremely large enough. Some of the factors which increase its risk are:

  • Being overweight or obese
  • Taking medications that contain estrogen
  • Having a family history of gallstones
  • Having diabetes
  • Being age 60 or older
  • Being female
  • Crohn’s disease and other problems which affect the way nutrients are absorbed in the body.
  • Cirrhosis or other liver diseases

Cholecystitis

Cholecystitis occurrence is common with gallbladder disease. It is going to present itself as severe as chronic gallbladder inflammation. 

Acute cholecystitis

This condition is mainly due to gallstones and it can occur due to tumors or some other health condition. The pain can trigger in the upper middle part of the abdomen or upper right side. The patient can have issues when they have a meal and it can even reach the right shoulder. Acute cholecystitis can also result in:

  • Fever
  • Vomiting
  • Jaundice
  • Nausea

Choledocholithiasis

Gallstones may become lodged in the gallbladder neck or the bile ducts. In this condition, the gallbladder in this way and the bile will not be able to exit. This condition can result in inflammation or distention in the gallbladder. 

Choledocholithiasis can cause:

  • Extreme pain in the middle of your upper abdomen
  • Vomiting
  • Jaundice
  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Nausea
  • Pale- or clay-colored stools

Chronic cholecystitis

The patient who has faced the issue of acute cholecystitis for a long time. With this condition, the gallbladder is not able to store & release the bile like normal. 

The patient can have symptoms like vomiting, nausea, and abdominal pain. The doctor can suggest the option to undergo surgery to correct the issue. 

What are the treatment options for gallbladder disease?

  • Lifestyle changes
  • Medical treatment
  • Surgery

Is it possible to prevent gallbladder disease?

Gallbladder disease has certain risk factors like age and sex which cannot be prevented. You need to focus on your diet so that the condition can be controlled. You should include refined grains like bread, white rice, sugary sweets, and pasta in your diet. 
If you are having problems managing the condition then make sure to consult the doctor on time. Depending on your condition you will be given a treatment plan which improves your condition. 

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