Gallbladder Pain Relief – How Can You Get Relief From Cholecystitis?
Gallbladder disease is an umbrella term which may include issues caused by gallstones or gallbladder pain due to inflammation. Cholecystitis is the medical term used to describe swelling and irritation of the gallbladder and while most commonly triggered by gallstones, gallbladder inflammation may have other causes as well.
Cholecystitis may develop after prolonged, repeated gallstone blockages which create irritation and pressure in the gallbladder and can lead to a back up of bile. Gallstone obstructions can lead to bacterial infections which trigger the inflammation and pain of cholecystitis. The first step toward cholecystitis relief is the prevention of gallstones and maintenance of gallbladder health.
The pain related to these two conditions will differ slightly. Biliary colic is gallbladder pain that refers specifically to gallstone obstruction.
The small stones, which form in the gallbladder due to excess cholesterol or bilirubin, can range in size. Small fragments may pass out of the gallbladder regularly with no incident but if they become lodged in a duct, severe spasmodic pain can occur and last for hours. The pain of a gallbladder attack will typically center in the upper right abdomen, but sometimes radiate to the chest, back or shoulder blade.
Comparatively, inflammatory gallbladder pain presents in the same abdominal area as gallstone pain but remains steady and becomes worse with jarring motion. Inflammation of the gallbladder itself feels tender when applying pressure to the upper abdomen, just under the liver.
Biliary sludge – thickened, stagnant bile- may also cause irritation in the walls of the gallbladder and lead to chronic pain.
Chronic cholecystitis will lead to fever, chills, nausea and vomiting, along with pain that lasts well beyond several hours. These are signs of a serious medical condition requiring medical treatment. In some cases, gallbladder removal is necessary due to infection or risk of rupture, but you can treat your symptoms at home long before they become severe.
Prevention of cholecystitis begins with gallstone and biliary sludge prevention. A gallbladder diet and supportive supplements encourage healthy liver function and bile production and can be a good gallstone treatment option.
Many people experience occasional, temporary gallbladder attacks long before cholecystitis sets in.
If you want to keep your gallbladder in great shape, start by keeping your whole body in great shape. Obesity has been linked to gallstone formation, and inactivity creates sluggishness in all the organs.
The following foods are part of a healthy gallbladder diet:
- Fresh organic fruits and vegetables- especially green, leafy vegetables
- Organic whole grains, nuts and seeds
- Wild caught fish
As well some research has linked substances like caffeine and alcohol to lowered gallstone risks, while others have indicated the opposite. The key is often moderation and if you are already experiencing cholecystitis symptoms it may be advisable to reduce these irritants temporarily, along with excess fat, fried foods and spicy food.
When you are having active symptoms from gallstones or gallbladder inflammation, it is because the gallbladder is triggered to squeeze and having difficulty doing so. Eating high-fat foods will cause more pressure and spasms in a blocked or sluggish gallbladder. Instead, choose substances like bitter herbs, apple cider vinegar and lemon while thin and increase bile blow.
