The gallbladder performs many important functions in the human body, so it is very important to know the symptoms and causes of inflammation of this organ of our body.
The gallbladder is a very small organ. Many people do not even know about its existence, but it is an integral part of our body: it contains bile, which helps in the digestion of food in the gastrointestinal tract.
Why do we need a gallbladder?
- This small pear-shaped organ is located on the right side of the abdomen, just below the liver. This is a small sac where bile collects after passing through the liver, and from where bile enters the small intestine of the gastrointestinal tract.
- Bile, which collects in the gallbladder, is necessary for digestion, as it breaks down fat. It helps us digest and burn fat.
Gallbladder infections are more common in women who may have overweight, suffer from other gastrointestinal disorders, or who have high cholesterol.
Gallstones are the main cause of its infections.
Gallbladder inflammation symptoms
1. Bloating and gases
When there is a problem and the bile cannot flow properly, the flow becomes difficult and inflammation occurs. For the same reason, digestion can also slow down, which makes us feel gassy and heavy.
Gas and belching are normal, natural phenomena. However, what should alarm us is that these symptoms appear more frequently and daily.
Sometimes it’s also normal to feel sick for a day or two, especially if you’ve eaten a heavy meal, or because of a diet or lifestyle change, but if you still feel heavy or bloated like before for ten days straight, you should see a doctor and consult.
2. Nausea and dizziness
Monitor how you feel in the middle of the day, especially two hours after breakfast. This is just about the time when digestion should be complete.
If you feel nauseous or dizzy, put your hand on your stomach. Is it solid? Is burping occurs when you press on the stomach? This could mean that there is a problem with the gallbladder.
If, in addition to poor digestion, you also feel nausea and dizziness, it is quite likely that you have a gallbladder infection.
3. Sharp pains in the back, abdomen, and right arm
These symptoms are very characteristic of gallbladder infections. A feeling of heaviness in the abdomen, pain in the right side of the back, as well as in the right arm.
Recall that the gallbladder is located on the right side of the abdomen, next to the liver. If it becomes inflamed, then the entire right side suffers from such a disturbance, and that is why we feel pain on the right side.
In the case of acute pain, from which painful sensations may begin, we can talk about gallstones. Intense pains can last up to fifteen minutes, then stop and, then appear again. It can last up to fifteen hours. The pain may worsen when you inhale.
If the infection has been going on for a long time and you have several gallstones, the pain can become excruciating and radiate up to your shoulders.
4. Pay attention to urine and feces
If the urine is very white, and the stool is quite liquid and gray, then you may have problems with the gallbladder, or rather, a low level of bile in the digestive system.
People who experience gallbladder problems, namely infections, also suffer from frequent bouts of diarrhea.
5. Fever and bad breath
If you notice a bad or strange taste in your mouth that you just can’t pinpoint the cause of, keep track of when and how long it occurs. Do you only experience it for one or two days? If so, then it’s not scary.
But, again, if it’s been ten days in a row, talk to your doctor. This is especially necessary if you notice an elevated body temperature in the morning. Watch for any symptoms so you can report them to your doctor.
6. Jaundice
Maybe we noticed a yellowish tint on your skin? Perhaps the whites of your eyes have also turned yellow? If so, don’t wait. See your doctor as soon as possible.
It could be jaundice caused by gallstones or an infection. Stones and infections can block bile, which in turn causes bile to back up into the liver and can cause internal bleeding.
This is a very serious problem, so we advise you to take good care of your body and seek in time help from a doctor!
Picture Credit: VistaCreate