Experts discuss foods that are good for your gallbladder, as well as what not to eat when you have gallbladder problems.
By Stephanie Watson
WebMD Feature
Reviewed by Venkat Mohan, MD
Most people never give a thought to the health of their gallbladder. The pear-shaped organ does have an important job, collecting and storing bile -- the fluid that helps the body digest fats. But unlike the heart, liver, and kidneys, the gallbladder isn't necessary to keep the body healthy and functioning. Even when it isn't working as well as it should and gallstones develop, most people are unaware that there is a problem.
Yet in a small percentage of people, gallstones can trigger a variety of symptoms, such as abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, and vomiting. When gallstone symptoms are frequent, recurrent, and especially uncomfortable, the typical treatment is surgery to remove the gallbladder.
"The majority of people with gallstones never develop symptoms their whole lives," says John Martin, MD, associate professor of medicine and surgery, and director of endoscopy at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. "Once you start to develop symptoms, you're going to need to have the gallbladder taken out."
Although diet doesn't directly cause gallbladder problems -- and it won't cure them -- watching what you eat and keeping a healthy weight might help you prevent gallstones from forming and avoid some discomfort if you do develop gallstones.
Diet and Gallstone Risk
A number of risk factors contribute to the formation of gallstones, including a family history of gallstones and gender. Women are twice as likely as men to develop them. Body weight is also a factor; the risk of gallstones is higher in people who are overweight and obese.
Diets that are high in fat and cholesterol and low in fiber appear to play a role. "There's a lot of things you can't change in that list, but you can certainly influence your diet," says F. Taylor Wootton III, MD, clinical counselor, associate professor of internal medicine at Eastern Virginia Medical School, and a member of the American Gastroenterological Association governing board.
If you're overweight, try to lose the extra weight; but do it gradually. There is a link between quick weight loss and gallstone formation. Crash or "yo-yo" diets can cause the liver to release more cholesterol into the bile, disrupting the normal balance of cholesterol and bile salts. That extra cholesterol can form into crystals, leading to gallstones, Wootton says.
Healthy Foods for the Gallbladder
Whether or not you are at risk for gallstones, it's always a good idea to keep your body at a healthy weight and eat a diet that is low in fat and cholesterol, moderate in calories, and high in fiber.
All of the following are healthy foods for your gallbladder, as well as the rest of your body:
Fresh fruits and vegetables
Whole grains (whole-wheat bread, brown rice, oats, bran cereal)
Lean meat, poultry, and fish
Low-fat dairy products
Certain foods have been studied for their potential to prevent gallbladder problems or reduce symptoms. For example, some research has indicated that drinking caffeinated coffee lowers the risk of gallstones in both men and women. Drinking moderate amounts of alcohol has also been linked to a reduced incidence of gallstones. In one study, women who ate at least one serving of peanuts a day had a 20% lower chance of having their gallbladder removed compared to women who rarely ate peanuts or peanut butter.
However, keep in mind the evidence is far too preliminary at this time to recommend any of these foods solely for the purpose of preventing gallbladder problems.
Foods to Avoid With Gallbladder Problems
Researchers say many gallbladder symptoms stem from the modern Western diet, which is high in refined carbohydrates and saturated fats. "If you're having symptoms from gallstones, its because as your gallbladder tries to squeeze, some of the gallstone is blocking the outflow of bile that is stored in your gallbladder," Martin says. "You're squeezing against a closed door, and that's why it hurts. If you eat fatty foods, that makes it squeeze more."
Changing your diet won't get rid of gallstones that are already there, but eating a healthy, balanced variety of nutrients and limiting the amount of saturated fats and cholesterol-heavy foods you eat may help ease your symptoms.
Try to avoid or limit these high-fat foods in your diet:
Fried foods
Highly processed foods (doughnuts, pie, cookies)
Whole-milk dairy products (cheese, ice cream, butter)
Fatty red meat
Also steer clear of very low-calorie diets. If you are overweight, aim for a gradual weight loss of 1 to 2 pounds a week by sticking to a healthy, well-balanced diet and getting regular exercise. Always diet under your doctor's supervision.
If you continue to have symptoms, see your doctor. You may need surgery to have your gallbladder removed.
SOURCES:
John Martin, MD, associate professor of medicine and surgery and director of endoscopy, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.
F. Taylor Wootton III, MD, clinical counselor, associate professor of internal medicine, Eastern Virginia Medical School; member, American Gastroenterological Association governing board.
Leitzmann, M.F. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2003; vol 78: pp 339-347.
Cuevas, A. American College of Nutrition, 2004; vol 23: pp 187-196.
Giovannucci, E.L. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2004; vol 80: pp 76-81.
Rakel, D. Integrative Medicine. 2nd ed., Saunders Elsevier, 2007.
Feldman M, Friedman L.S., Brandt L.J. Sleisenger & Fordtran's Gastrointestinal & Liver Disease, 8th ed., Saunders Elsevier, 2006.
Reviewed on August 24, 2011 © 2009 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
Saturday, November 17, 2012
Gallstones - Symptoms - Treatments - Prevention
Gallstones are the most common and costly digestive disease in the United States, causing more than 800,000 hospitalizations annually at estimated cost of over five billion dollars. More than 20 million Americans have gallstones and approximately one million new cases are diagnosed each year. Women are twice as likely as men to develop gallstones; the higher prevalence of gallstones in women is thought to be caused by multiple pregnancies, obesity, and rapid weight loss. Well over half a million people undergo cholecystectomy (surgical removal of the gallbladder) each year.
The normal function of the gallbladder is to store bile produced by the liver, and to aid in the digestion and absorption of fats in the duodenum (the first portion of the small intestine). Gallstones compose a solid formation of cholesterol and bile salts. However, research shows that approximately 80 to 90 percent of all gallstones are cholesterol gallstones which form when the liver begins secreting bile that is abnormally saturated with cholesterol. The excess cholesterol crystallizes and then forms stones which are stored in the gallbladder or the cystic duct. Gallstones can also form due to low levels of bile acids and bile lecithin.
Who Is At Risk For Gallstones?
When I was diagnosed with gallstones at 26, I was told that the typical gallstone patient was fair, fat, and forty. Today gallstones are seen in younger patients, perhaps due to the large amount of fast foods being consumed. My daughter went through five years of vomiting beginning at age 15, leading me to almost believe that she was bulimic, before she was diagnosed with gallstones at age 20. Risk factors which can lead to increased incidence of gallstones include the "Four Fs:" fat, female, fertile, and flatulent, as well as sickle cell disease (bilirubin), cirrhosis, Crohn's disease, diabetes, pancreatic disease, and hyperparathyroidism.
When the symptoms of gallstones occur they are often called an "attack" because they occur suddenly. The typical gallstone attack includes: •Steady, severe pain in the upper abdomen that increases rapidly and lasts from 30 minutes to several hours.
•Pain in the back between the shoulder blades.
•Pain under the right shoulder.
•Nausea or vomiting.
Gallstone attacks often follow fatty meals, and they may occur during the night. Although I was lucky not to have too much nausea and vomiting with my gallstones, one of my most vivid childhood memories is of my mother up at night, in the bathroom, vomiting.
Other symptoms of gallstones include:
•Abdominal bloating.
•Recurring intolerance of fatty foods.
•Colic.
•Belching.
•Gas.
•Indigestion.
The following symptoms are indication that you should seek immediate medical attention:
•Sweating.
•Chills.
•Low-grade fever.
•Yellowish color of the skin or whites of the eyes.
•Clay-colored stools.
Many people have gallstones with no symptoms, these people are called asymptomatic. Gallstones that cause no symptoms are called "silent stones." Silent stones do not interfere in gallbladder, liver, or pancreas function and do not require treatment.
Have Been Diagnosed With Gallbladder Disease?
Until just a few years ago, the most common treatment for symptomatic gallstones was a surgical procedure called cholecystectomy which required a large abdominal incision to remove the gallbladder. This was an extremely painful (based on my personal experience) and difficult to recover from operation that required at least five days in the hospital, and approximately six weeks for recovery.
Today laparoscopic cholecystectomy is most commonly performed. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is usually performed in a day-surgery unit and requires only a tiny incision. My daughter's gallstones were treated laparoscopically, leaving her feeling well enough to continue her normal activities later that day. However, it should be noted that not all patients will recover almost instantaneously as my daughter did--the typical patient may need up to a week to recover before returning to normal activities.
Alternative treatments for gallstones include:
•Oral bile acid dissolution therapy.
•Contact solvent dissolution.
•Mechanical extraction through a catheter placed into the gallbladder either through the skin or through and endoscope.
•Fragmentation through shock-wave lithotripsy combined with bile acid dissolution.
Each of these alternative treatments leave the gallbladder in place. Because the gallbladder is not removed during these treatments many patients face a significant risk of recurrence.
Have Been Diagnosed With Gallbladder Disease?
People who may be at risk for developing gallstones may want to try modifying their diet to decrease their risk. The amount of dietary fiber consumed is an important therapy for gallstones that is often overlooked. Gallstones may be prevented by increasing consumption of both soluble and insoluble fiber which reduces the absorption of deoxycholic acid by producing a favorable shift in the triad of factors that control cholesterol's solubility in bile. Soluble fibers which are effective include guar gum and pectin, as well as other types of fiber (including oat bran, wheat bran, and soy fiber) which are found in many fruits and vegetables. The benefit of fiber is seen in the low incidence of gallstones in vegetarians.
Coffee drinking has been associated with a decreased risk of symptomatic gallstones, according to research conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health and published in the June 9, 1999 issue of the "Journal of the American Medical Association". The study found that men (over 46,000 men were studied) who drank two or three cups of coffee a day had a 40 percent lower risk of developing gallstones, while men who drank 4 or more cups of coffee a day decreased their risk by 45 percent. The study found no relation between gallstone prevention and tea, decaffeinated coffee, or caffeinated soft drinks.
Regular, vigorous, exercise may decrease the risk of gallstones. One study, reported by WebMD, found that men who performed endurance activities such as jogging, running, racquet sports, and brisk walking for 30 minutes five times a week, experienced a 34 percent reduction in risk for gallbladder disease. The amount of benefit derived from exercise was more dependent on intensity than type of exercise. Researchers theorize that exercise helps to normalize blood sugar and insulin levels which may contribute to gallstones, if abnormal.
There is also some research which suggests that taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as aspirin or ibuprofen offers some protection against the formation of gallstones. However, one study found no difference in the risk of gallstones in over 400 chronic arthritis patients who regularly took NSAIDS.
Another option, approved by the FDA for obese patients, is a drug called Actigall®. This is the first drug approved for the prevention of gallstones; it has been used in carefully selected patients since 1988.
Have Been Diagnosed With Gallbladder Disease?
•Gallstones affect approximately one in ten Americans, and are associated with approximately 3,000 deaths annually.
•More than 800,000 hospitalizations each year are caused by gallstones that are large enough to cause significant pain.
•Over 500,000 people undergo surgery for gallstones annually.
•Obesity is one of the strongest risk factors for gallstones.
•Rapid weight loss diets significantly increase the risk for gallstones.
The normal function of the gallbladder is to store bile produced by the liver, and to aid in the digestion and absorption of fats in the duodenum (the first portion of the small intestine). Gallstones compose a solid formation of cholesterol and bile salts. However, research shows that approximately 80 to 90 percent of all gallstones are cholesterol gallstones which form when the liver begins secreting bile that is abnormally saturated with cholesterol. The excess cholesterol crystallizes and then forms stones which are stored in the gallbladder or the cystic duct. Gallstones can also form due to low levels of bile acids and bile lecithin.
Who Is At Risk For Gallstones?
When I was diagnosed with gallstones at 26, I was told that the typical gallstone patient was fair, fat, and forty. Today gallstones are seen in younger patients, perhaps due to the large amount of fast foods being consumed. My daughter went through five years of vomiting beginning at age 15, leading me to almost believe that she was bulimic, before she was diagnosed with gallstones at age 20. Risk factors which can lead to increased incidence of gallstones include the "Four Fs:" fat, female, fertile, and flatulent, as well as sickle cell disease (bilirubin), cirrhosis, Crohn's disease, diabetes, pancreatic disease, and hyperparathyroidism.
When the symptoms of gallstones occur they are often called an "attack" because they occur suddenly. The typical gallstone attack includes: •Steady, severe pain in the upper abdomen that increases rapidly and lasts from 30 minutes to several hours.
•Pain in the back between the shoulder blades.
•Pain under the right shoulder.
•Nausea or vomiting.
Gallstone attacks often follow fatty meals, and they may occur during the night. Although I was lucky not to have too much nausea and vomiting with my gallstones, one of my most vivid childhood memories is of my mother up at night, in the bathroom, vomiting.
Other symptoms of gallstones include:
•Abdominal bloating.
•Recurring intolerance of fatty foods.
•Colic.
•Belching.
•Gas.
•Indigestion.
The following symptoms are indication that you should seek immediate medical attention:
•Sweating.
•Chills.
•Low-grade fever.
•Yellowish color of the skin or whites of the eyes.
•Clay-colored stools.
Many people have gallstones with no symptoms, these people are called asymptomatic. Gallstones that cause no symptoms are called "silent stones." Silent stones do not interfere in gallbladder, liver, or pancreas function and do not require treatment.
Have Been Diagnosed With Gallbladder Disease?
Until just a few years ago, the most common treatment for symptomatic gallstones was a surgical procedure called cholecystectomy which required a large abdominal incision to remove the gallbladder. This was an extremely painful (based on my personal experience) and difficult to recover from operation that required at least five days in the hospital, and approximately six weeks for recovery.
Today laparoscopic cholecystectomy is most commonly performed. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is usually performed in a day-surgery unit and requires only a tiny incision. My daughter's gallstones were treated laparoscopically, leaving her feeling well enough to continue her normal activities later that day. However, it should be noted that not all patients will recover almost instantaneously as my daughter did--the typical patient may need up to a week to recover before returning to normal activities.
Alternative treatments for gallstones include:
•Oral bile acid dissolution therapy.
•Contact solvent dissolution.
•Mechanical extraction through a catheter placed into the gallbladder either through the skin or through and endoscope.
•Fragmentation through shock-wave lithotripsy combined with bile acid dissolution.
Each of these alternative treatments leave the gallbladder in place. Because the gallbladder is not removed during these treatments many patients face a significant risk of recurrence.
Have Been Diagnosed With Gallbladder Disease?
People who may be at risk for developing gallstones may want to try modifying their diet to decrease their risk. The amount of dietary fiber consumed is an important therapy for gallstones that is often overlooked. Gallstones may be prevented by increasing consumption of both soluble and insoluble fiber which reduces the absorption of deoxycholic acid by producing a favorable shift in the triad of factors that control cholesterol's solubility in bile. Soluble fibers which are effective include guar gum and pectin, as well as other types of fiber (including oat bran, wheat bran, and soy fiber) which are found in many fruits and vegetables. The benefit of fiber is seen in the low incidence of gallstones in vegetarians.
Coffee drinking has been associated with a decreased risk of symptomatic gallstones, according to research conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health and published in the June 9, 1999 issue of the "Journal of the American Medical Association". The study found that men (over 46,000 men were studied) who drank two or three cups of coffee a day had a 40 percent lower risk of developing gallstones, while men who drank 4 or more cups of coffee a day decreased their risk by 45 percent. The study found no relation between gallstone prevention and tea, decaffeinated coffee, or caffeinated soft drinks.
Regular, vigorous, exercise may decrease the risk of gallstones. One study, reported by WebMD, found that men who performed endurance activities such as jogging, running, racquet sports, and brisk walking for 30 minutes five times a week, experienced a 34 percent reduction in risk for gallbladder disease. The amount of benefit derived from exercise was more dependent on intensity than type of exercise. Researchers theorize that exercise helps to normalize blood sugar and insulin levels which may contribute to gallstones, if abnormal.
There is also some research which suggests that taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as aspirin or ibuprofen offers some protection against the formation of gallstones. However, one study found no difference in the risk of gallstones in over 400 chronic arthritis patients who regularly took NSAIDS.
Another option, approved by the FDA for obese patients, is a drug called Actigall®. This is the first drug approved for the prevention of gallstones; it has been used in carefully selected patients since 1988.
Have Been Diagnosed With Gallbladder Disease?
•Gallstones affect approximately one in ten Americans, and are associated with approximately 3,000 deaths annually.
•More than 800,000 hospitalizations each year are caused by gallstones that are large enough to cause significant pain.
•Over 500,000 people undergo surgery for gallstones annually.
•Obesity is one of the strongest risk factors for gallstones.
•Rapid weight loss diets significantly increase the risk for gallstones.
How to prevent gallbladder disease
Gallbladder problems can be a minor nuisance or turn into a major medical condition if they are not treated properly. Risk factors for gallbladder problems include genetics and gender, with women twice as likely to develop issues. While there are no straightforward prevention methods, there are a few ways you can lower your risk of developing gallbladder conditions, such as gallstones or gallbladder disease.
Exercise to prevent gallbladder disease. Regular exercise reduces cholesterol in the blood tissues which can lead to gallbladder problems. Experts recommend moderate activity at least 5 days a week.
Eat a well-balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products and lean meats to prevent gallbladder disease.3Take supplements that may reduce your chances of developing gallbladder disease. If you aren't getting enough fiber in your diet through food, take a daily fiber supplement. The same is true with vitamin B: you should take a supplement if your diet lacks foods with vitamin B, like whole grains and leafy greens.4Avoid high-fat foods like whole-milk dairy products, processed foods, sugary items, fried foods and red meats. Eating too much cholesterol or foods high in fat may cause gallstones.5Try one of the foods thought to prevent gallbladder disease. Drink moderate amounts of coffee with caffeine to reduce your chances of developing gallstones. Drinking alcohol in moderation may also lower gallbladder problems. Eating a small amount of peanuts each day may also have a preventative effect.6Watch out for quick-fix diets. Losing weight too quickly can actually be a trigger for gallstone attacks or other gallbladder complications. Losing and gaining weight in cycles has also been linked to gallbladder problems.7Consider breastfeeding if you have had a child. Breastfeeding is said to help prevent women from getting gallstones after giving birth.8Seek treatment from an acupuncturist. Acupuncture has been used to prevent flare ups of gallstones or gallbladder attacks. Always discuss alternative medical treatments with your doctor before trying them.9Add omega-3s to your diet by either taking a supplement or eating fish that are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon, tuna and trout. Doctors think that omega-3s prevent cholesterol from forming bile in the gallbladder, thus preventing gallstones or gallbladder disease.10Try some raw veggie and fruit juice if you have experienced gallbladder pain. A mixture of raw juices of carrot, cabbage, apple and other veggies and fruits may help reduce gallbladder issues.
Exercise to prevent gallbladder disease. Regular exercise reduces cholesterol in the blood tissues which can lead to gallbladder problems. Experts recommend moderate activity at least 5 days a week.
Eat a well-balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products and lean meats to prevent gallbladder disease.3Take supplements that may reduce your chances of developing gallbladder disease. If you aren't getting enough fiber in your diet through food, take a daily fiber supplement. The same is true with vitamin B: you should take a supplement if your diet lacks foods with vitamin B, like whole grains and leafy greens.4Avoid high-fat foods like whole-milk dairy products, processed foods, sugary items, fried foods and red meats. Eating too much cholesterol or foods high in fat may cause gallstones.5Try one of the foods thought to prevent gallbladder disease. Drink moderate amounts of coffee with caffeine to reduce your chances of developing gallstones. Drinking alcohol in moderation may also lower gallbladder problems. Eating a small amount of peanuts each day may also have a preventative effect.6Watch out for quick-fix diets. Losing weight too quickly can actually be a trigger for gallstone attacks or other gallbladder complications. Losing and gaining weight in cycles has also been linked to gallbladder problems.7Consider breastfeeding if you have had a child. Breastfeeding is said to help prevent women from getting gallstones after giving birth.8Seek treatment from an acupuncturist. Acupuncture has been used to prevent flare ups of gallstones or gallbladder attacks. Always discuss alternative medical treatments with your doctor before trying them.9Add omega-3s to your diet by either taking a supplement or eating fish that are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon, tuna and trout. Doctors think that omega-3s prevent cholesterol from forming bile in the gallbladder, thus preventing gallstones or gallbladder disease.10Try some raw veggie and fruit juice if you have experienced gallbladder pain. A mixture of raw juices of carrot, cabbage, apple and other veggies and fruits may help reduce gallbladder issues.
Identify Early Symptoms of Gallbladder Disease
1Pay attention to uncomfortable gas, burping, belching, heartburn, feeling bloated, constipation or indigestion. Any of these may be early signs of gallbladder disease.
2Understand that when food does not digest properly this is another common early symptom of gallbladder disease.
Be aware that other symptoms of gallbladder disease may be similar to stomach flu or a mild case of food poisoning. These symptoms may include persistent nausea, queasiness, constant fatigue and vomiting.
Monitor headaches, especially when you feel pain over your right eye. This type of headache is another common symptom of gallbladder disease.
Confirm Advanced Symptoms of Gallbladder Disease1Look for light or chalky colored stools or dark urine. Lighter, loose stools may be the result of insufficient bile.
Some people experience diarrhea that may last up to 3 months or more and may have up to 10 bowel movements per day.
2Verify offensive body odor or excessive bad breath.3Watch for signs of fever, chills and shivering. These generally occur with more advanced stages of gallbladder disease.
Recognize Gallstones as Gallbladder Disease1Understand that when gallbladder digestive fluid hardens into deposits, it can create gallstones. These deposits can range in size from the size of a grain of sand to a large golf ball.2Acknowledge severe pain in the upper portion of your abdomen, just under the rib cage. You may also feel referred pain in the right shoulder because of gallbladder disease.
This pain may start suddenly, and the attack can last from 15 minutes to 15 hours. Pain may worsen with deep breathing.
In advanced stages of gallbladder disease, gallstones may cause sharp, excruciating pain along the right side of your body and between the shoulder blades. The pain may be so severe that walking, standing and sitting are impossible.
3Watch for signs of jaundice. You should notice a yellowish tint to the skin or the whites of your eyes. This occurs when gallstones block the bile duct, causing a backup of bile into the liver. The bile may begin leaking into your bloodstream.
Acknowledge Gallbladder Attack or Cholecystitis as Gallbladder Disease1Know the symptoms of Cholecystitis. Attacks of the gallbladder are disorders, typically occurring with an inflamed gallbladder. These attacks often result in severe pain that can generally occur along the right side of the body or between the shoulder blades.
A buildup of too much bile in the gallbladder can cause gallbladder attacks.
2Realize how diet affects the gallbladder. Large or fatty meals can trigger a gallbladder attack. The attacks often occur in the evening, many hours after eating. These attacks will jilt the patient from sleep.
Gallbladder attacks are usually a symptom indicating that something else is wrong with the gallbladder. If gallbladder function is compromised and the gallbladder doesn't empty as quickly as it should, a gallbladder attack may occur.
3Seek medical treatment immediately if you experience any combination of these symptoms.
Confirm or Rule Out Gallbladder Cancer1See your doctor if you experience any of the symptoms associated with gallbladder disease.2Schedule an ultrasound of your abdomen at the request of your doctor to rule out gallbladder cancer. The ultrasound technician will look at polyps found in the gallbladder.
Most polyps found in the gallbladder during the ultrasound are very small and do not need removal. Your doctor may want to monitor smaller polyps through additional ultrasound examinations to ensure they do not grow. Larger polyps generally indicate a greater risk of gallbladder cancer.
When the gallbladder polyp is larger than 0.39 inch (1 centimeter), the recommendation is generally to remove it surgically. If the polyp is between 0.39 inch and 0.71 inch (1 and 1.8 centimeters), your doctor may be able to remove it laparoscopically. Bigger polyps require traditional surgery.
2Understand that when food does not digest properly this is another common early symptom of gallbladder disease.
Be aware that other symptoms of gallbladder disease may be similar to stomach flu or a mild case of food poisoning. These symptoms may include persistent nausea, queasiness, constant fatigue and vomiting.
Monitor headaches, especially when you feel pain over your right eye. This type of headache is another common symptom of gallbladder disease.
Confirm Advanced Symptoms of Gallbladder Disease1Look for light or chalky colored stools or dark urine. Lighter, loose stools may be the result of insufficient bile.
Some people experience diarrhea that may last up to 3 months or more and may have up to 10 bowel movements per day.
2Verify offensive body odor or excessive bad breath.3Watch for signs of fever, chills and shivering. These generally occur with more advanced stages of gallbladder disease.
Recognize Gallstones as Gallbladder Disease1Understand that when gallbladder digestive fluid hardens into deposits, it can create gallstones. These deposits can range in size from the size of a grain of sand to a large golf ball.2Acknowledge severe pain in the upper portion of your abdomen, just under the rib cage. You may also feel referred pain in the right shoulder because of gallbladder disease.
This pain may start suddenly, and the attack can last from 15 minutes to 15 hours. Pain may worsen with deep breathing.
In advanced stages of gallbladder disease, gallstones may cause sharp, excruciating pain along the right side of your body and between the shoulder blades. The pain may be so severe that walking, standing and sitting are impossible.
3Watch for signs of jaundice. You should notice a yellowish tint to the skin or the whites of your eyes. This occurs when gallstones block the bile duct, causing a backup of bile into the liver. The bile may begin leaking into your bloodstream.
Acknowledge Gallbladder Attack or Cholecystitis as Gallbladder Disease1Know the symptoms of Cholecystitis. Attacks of the gallbladder are disorders, typically occurring with an inflamed gallbladder. These attacks often result in severe pain that can generally occur along the right side of the body or between the shoulder blades.
A buildup of too much bile in the gallbladder can cause gallbladder attacks.
2Realize how diet affects the gallbladder. Large or fatty meals can trigger a gallbladder attack. The attacks often occur in the evening, many hours after eating. These attacks will jilt the patient from sleep.
Gallbladder attacks are usually a symptom indicating that something else is wrong with the gallbladder. If gallbladder function is compromised and the gallbladder doesn't empty as quickly as it should, a gallbladder attack may occur.
3Seek medical treatment immediately if you experience any combination of these symptoms.
Confirm or Rule Out Gallbladder Cancer1See your doctor if you experience any of the symptoms associated with gallbladder disease.2Schedule an ultrasound of your abdomen at the request of your doctor to rule out gallbladder cancer. The ultrasound technician will look at polyps found in the gallbladder.
Most polyps found in the gallbladder during the ultrasound are very small and do not need removal. Your doctor may want to monitor smaller polyps through additional ultrasound examinations to ensure they do not grow. Larger polyps generally indicate a greater risk of gallbladder cancer.
When the gallbladder polyp is larger than 0.39 inch (1 centimeter), the recommendation is generally to remove it surgically. If the polyp is between 0.39 inch and 0.71 inch (1 and 1.8 centimeters), your doctor may be able to remove it laparoscopically. Bigger polyps require traditional surgery.
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