IBS and Gallbladder Problems

Although irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a disorder of the large intestine, having IBS is no guarantee that the rest of your digestive system works perfectly. One very important organ in the process of digestion is the gallbladder. Problems with the gallbladder can result in a variety of symptoms. The following discussion will provide you with an overview of your gallbladder, educate you as to the more common gallbladder diseases, and discuss any possible overlap with IBS.

What Does the Gallbladder Do?

Your gallbladder is a small, sac-like organ, located on the right side of your upper abdomen, tucked in under your liver. The gallbladder's main job has to do with a substance called bile, which is important in our ability to digest the foods we eat. Bile is first produced by the liver and then stored in the gallbladder. When we eat foods that have fat in them, the gallbladder secretes bile into the small intestine. There, the bile breaks down fat, allowing it to be absorbed into our bloodstream.

Symptoms of Gallbladder Problems

Although some gallbladder problems, including gallstones, may exist without any noticeable signs, the following symptoms may be indicative of gallbladder disease:

• Bloating after meals, particularly meals with a high fat content
• Chronic diarrhea
• Indigestion
• Nausea after meals
• Pain in the middle or right side of your abdomen

Gallbladder Attacks

Some gallbladder conditions announce their presence through what is commonly referred to as a "gallbladder attack," and officially known as "biliary colic." Such an attack may occur within a few hours of eating a large or fatty meal and may wake you up from sleep. You may experience pain in your upper right abdomen and this pain may also radiate to the upper back, between your shoulder blades, under your right shoulder, or behind your breastbone. Some gallbladder attacks result in nausea and vomiting. Usually these attacks only last for an hour or so. Such an attack should be reported to your doctor, even if symptoms subside.
If you are experiencing the following symptoms, you need to seek immediate medical attention:

• Clay-colored stools
• Fever and chills alongside nausea and vomiting
• Signs of jaundice
• Severe and persistent pain in your upper right abdomen

Gallbladder Diseases

The following are some of the more common gallbladder diseases: