Gallbladder Symptoms

The symptoms associated with the gallbladder can vary significantly depending on the specific condition affecting it. However, most issues related to the gallbladder typically present as pain in the upper right or middle part of the abdomen. The most common issue involves gallstones, but other conditions such as cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder), infections, tumors, and congenital abnormalities can also arise. Below is a detailed explanation of the symptoms accompanying each of these gallbladder-related conditions:

Symptoms of Gallstones

Gallstones are the most prevalent type of gallbladder disease, resulting from the buildup of cholesterol and hardened bile substances that form stones within the gallbladder. Often, individuals may not exhibit any symptoms when gallstones are present; however, if a stone becomes trapped in a duct or opening, gallbladder colic may occur. This manifests as sudden and severe abdominal pain that can be intermittent or continuous. The discomfort is caused by strong contractions from the obstruction caused by the stones and usually occurs between the rib cage and the belly button, just beneath the right ribs. Pain may radiate to the side or to the shoulder blade. Symptoms can last typically for one to two hours and may occur sporadically, sometimes separated by years. High-fat meals often trigger episodes of gallbladder colic, although such episodes can also occur without any specific triggers. It is crucial to consult a healthcare professional in the event of such pain due to the potential for complications.

Other symptoms associated with gallstones include:

Persistent abdominal pain lasting several hours, where relief from bathroom usage, gas expulsion, or vomiting is not achieved.
Nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.
Fever and chills.
Dark urine and pale stool.
Itchy skin.
Severe sweating.
Jaundice, which appears as slight yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes.
Cramping due to the gallbladder attempting to expel the stones.

Symptoms of Cholecystitis

The symptoms of cholecystitis can differ based on the nature of the inflammation; it may present as acute inflammation that occurs suddenly, accompanied by severe pain in the upper abdomen, or as chronic inflammation characterized by recurring episodes over time with swelling and irritation. Various factors can lead to cholecystitis, with gallstones being the most common cause, alongside infections, excessive alcohol consumption, and tumors that lead to bile buildup. It is important to seek medical attention when concerning signs of inflammation appear, especially if intense abdominal pain occurs, making it difficult to sit or feel at ease. Below are the symptoms associated with each type of cholecystitis:

Acute Cholecystitis

The pain stemming from acute cholecystitis resembles that of gallbladder colic due to gallstones, but in cases of acute cholecystitis, the discomfort persists longer and is typically more intense. The pain peaks between 15 to 60 minutes after onset and remains continuous. Many patients experience significant pain when pressure is applied to the upper right abdomen, and deep breathing may exacerbate the discomfort. The pain might also extend to the lower part of the right shoulder blade or the back. Additional symptoms that may accompany acute cholecystitis include:

Nausea and vomiting.
Fever, which can progressively rise beyond 38 degrees Celsius, often accompanied by chills.
Stiffness of the muscles in the right side of the abdomen, occurring a few hours after the onset of severe pain.
Symptoms indicating a potential blockage in the common bile duct by gallstones, leading to cholestasis, including:
- Jaundice.
- Dark urine and light-colored stool.

In older adults with acute cholecystitis, initial symptoms may be vague, presenting as general fatigue, weakness, loss of appetite, or vomiting without notable fever. Typically, acute inflammatory episodes resolve within two to three days and may completely disappear within a week. Persistent symptoms could indicate serious complications, such as the formation of an abscess, which are pus-filled sacs, or perforation of the gallbladder, particularly when large gallstones rupture the gallbladder wall or cause obstruction in the small intestine, resulting in abdominal pain and swelling.

Acute Acalculous Cholecystitis

Acute acalculous cholecystitis is a rarer yet more severe type of acute cholecystitis that occurs without evidence of gallstone formation or any other obstruction in the bile duct. This condition typically presents suddenly with severe abdominal pain in individuals without previous gallbladder symptoms. Commonly, symptoms may be limited to abdominal swelling, tenderness upon touch, or unexplained fever. This type of cholecystitis can lead to significant complications such as gangrene or perforation of the gallbladder and is usually a consequence of severe illness, infection, or injury causing damage to the gallbladder.

Chronic Cholecystitis

Individuals with chronic cholecystitis experience recurrent episodes of upper abdominal pain, often felt upon pressure. Unlike acute cholecystitis, fever is uncommon in chronic cholecystitis patients, and the pain is generally less intense and doesn’t last as long compared to the acute type. Chronic cholecystitis indicates repeated inflammatory episodes, with mild swelling and irritation over time. This condition can damage the gallbladder wall, leading to thickening, shrinkage, and subsequent loss of proper gallbladder function.

Symptoms of Other Gallbladder Diseases

Below are some symptoms associated with other conditions that can affect the gallbladder:

Gallbladder Cancer

Gallbladder cancer is a rare and difficult-to-diagnose condition that is often discovered only when symptoms present in the late stages of the disease. The symptoms of gallbladder cancer may resemble those associated with gallstones.

Pankreatitis Resulting from Gallstones

Pankreatitis caused by gallstones occurs when gallstones block the passage from the pancreas to the duodenum, the first part of the small intestine. This blockage results in fluid accumulation and prevents flow through both the bile duct and pancreatitis channel, potentially leading to a life-threatening condition known as pancreatitis. Key symptoms accompanying stone-related pancreatitis include:

Severe pain, which is the most common symptom, experienced as acute or pressure-like discomfort in the upper left abdomen or back, with pain sometimes radiating to the shoulder or chest.
Fever and chills.
Nausea and vomiting.
Jaundice, presenting as yellowing of the skin, the whites of the eyes, or both.

Video on Gallbladder Symptoms

To learn more about gallbladder symptoms, please watch the accompanying video.