Gallbladder Problems, 6 Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore

If you experience the symptoms listed in this article, you should see a specialist as soon as possible to identify the cause and undergo the appropriate treatment to avoid complications.

Gallbladder disorders can be recognized through certain signals that the body sends us. But what are these signs? Are they related to the digestive system or not? We will talk about this shortly, but first let’s see what the gallbladder is.

The gallbladder is a small organ located under the liver whose main job is to produce bile which helps break down fats and facilitate digestion.

When something hinders its functioning, substances get stuck in the ducts, creating blockages that prevent the passage of bile. As a result, various symptoms appear which, if not properly treated, can have a strong impact on the patient’s quality of life.

For this reason, in the next few lines we will share with you 6 symptoms related to gallbladder disorders to take into consideration.

Are gallbladder problems preceded by any signs?

Well say, in the presence of gallbladder disorders, the body sends some warning signals. However, they tend to be confused with other ailments, therefore, they don’t always get due attention.

In the next few lines, we will discuss the symptoms that, according to the MSD Manual, may indicate problems with the gallbladder, so that you can consult your doctor promptly and receive the most appropriate treatment.

1. Inflammation and gas

When there are obstructions or difficulties in the ducts that allow the passage of bile, digestion becomes heavier and symptoms such as: accumulation of waste (which, not being expelled adequately, ferment causing discomfort), inflammation and excess intestinal gas.

2. Abdominal pain and heaviness in gallbladder disorders

Other symptoms that may indicate the presence of gallbladder disorders are abdominal heaviness and pain that sometimes extends to the right side of the shoulder.

• The pain typically occurs suddenly and lasts about 15 minutes.
• It then disappears and reappears, getting worse, and can last between 12 and 15 hours.
• When faced with these disorders it is necessary to consult a doctor, as it could be gallstones.

3. Nausea and dizziness

Nausea and dizziness are common symptoms that can have multiple causes (such as gallbladder disorders), and even when they are mild, they should not be ignored, as they can indicate a problem.

This is due to the inability to use bile juices in the fat digestion process, which increases the presence of waste in the intestine and blood. Also, when gallstones form, pressure builds up in the stomach that can cause nausea and vomiting.

4. Bad breath and gallbladder disorders

We know that bad breath can be caused by bacterial infections or bad hygiene habits. However, when the symptom becomes recurrent and difficult to control, it is likely to originate from a liver or gallbladder problem.

• In the latter case, a problem is experienced in the oral cavity, such as a metallic taste which, together with the unpleasant smell, causes discomfort.

• Accumulation of toxins and poor bile production are directly responsible for this problem.

5. Loss of appetite

Suddenly losing your appetite indicates that something is wrong with the body. It could also be due to chronic inflammatory diseases, but also to digestive problems caused by a gallbladder disorder. 

• Loss of appetite for several days generally indicates that the bile ducts are inflamed or obstructed due to the presence of stones.
• As the problem progresses, patients experience inflammation and a feeling of satiety.

6. Jaundice and gallbladder disorders

Jaundice is caused by the increase in bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is produced in the liver and is excreted by the fecal route through the passage in the bile duct. If the bile duct is blocked, it accumulates in the blood, causing the yellowish tone typical of this disease.

Is it necessary to consult a doctor in case of gallbladder problems?

Did you recognize some of the symptoms mentioned? Are you experiencing one or more of them? In this case, consult your doctor and Subject yourselves exams necessary to be able to identify any disturbances to the gallbladder. In the meantime, avoid self-medication.

Keep in mind that you will also need to improve your lifestyle to achieve appreciable results with the treatment prescribed by the specialist.

It is essential to avoid a sedentary lifestyle and, above all, to follow a balanced diet, limiting the consumption of fried or processed foods and ensuring good hydration.