Gallbladder Pain – Do You Recognize The Symptoms?
Many people in North America suffer from gastrointestinal diseases and symptoms on a daily basis. With those identifying as gluten intolerant on the rise and irritable bowel syndrome reported in record numbers, it’s not surprising that cases of gallbladder pain are also increasing.
There are over 1 million cholecystectomy procedures performed each year in the US to surgically remove gallbladders. In most of these cases, the patient has experienced one or more “gallbladder attacks” and they are advised to quickly and easily remove the offending organ.
In cases of acute cholecystitis, infection or rupture, this can be a necessary step. For many others, their gallbladder disease could have been treated with lifestyle and diet changes, and safe, effective gallstone dissolving supplements.
One reason why people don’t always take action early enough is that they don’t know which of their symptoms are related to the gallbladder and which are related to other issues. Watch out for these signs so you can make changes and get back on track.
Nausea
Nausea is often connected to gallbladder attacks. This feeling of wanting to throw up can precede vomiting but doesn’t always. If you experience upper, right abdominal pain and nausea a couple of hours after eating, it is likely related to your gallbladder. Acute cholecystitis is often accompanied by nausea and vomiting.
Constipation
People are often surprised to learn that constipation can be linked to insufficient bile and poor gallbladder function. Chronic constipation can be very uncomfortable but if you don’t associate it with gallbladder pain, think again.
The gallbladder that can’t release bile due to sludge or blockage will not be able to properly digest food. When food sits in the lower intestine for an excessive amount of time undigested, constipation ensues. This type of pain should make you question whether your bile flow is alright.
Pain After Meals
Discomfort within a couple hours of high fat or fried meals is a classic gallbladder attack symptom. When the gallbladder is passing stones or inflamed, even food that is not high in fat can trigger a gallbladder attack as the blocked, sluggish organ struggles to contract, release bile and do its work.
Because the gallbladder receives its signal to release bile when the food is passing out of the stomach, the pain does not usually set in during or immediately after the meal. The painful episode may last from 15 minutes to a few hours and will not be in the lower abdomen as with indigestion and bowel disorders. Passing gas or having a bowel movement also does not relieve gallbladder pain.
Yellow Skin
Jaundice isn’t painful, but if bilirubin backs up into your bloodstream because of a blocked bile duct, you may see yellowish skin and eyes. As well, the urine can darken, and stools become pale because the bile which contains bilirubin is no longer entering the bowels. Experiencing abdominal pain along with this symptom certainly points to gallbladder problems.
Establishing a good gallbladder diet may be beneficial in managing gallbladder attack symptoms.
