Gallbladder Symptoms Cures

The gallbladder is a small organ situated near the liver. It aids in the digestive process and produces bile. Bile is a special fluid that helps to break down lipids (fats and vitamins A, D, E and K). The gallbladder is prone to certain afflictions, including gallstones, porcelain gallbladder, and gallbladder cancer. These afflictions demonstrate different symptoms and require different treatments.

Gallstones

Gallstones are stones within the gallbladder. They form when cholesterol binds to substances found in bile. Most people with gallstones exhibit no symptoms, but when they do occur, pain in the lower stomach, upper abdomen, back and possibly the shoulder are most common. The most dangerous aspect of gallstones is that they can block bile ducts. If that happens, serious symptoms might occur. Pain, fever, chills and yellowing of the skin and eyes are signs of a blocked bile duct. If it remains blocked, a swollen pancreas may occur.

Treatment for gallstones varies. If gallstones are not causing multiple symptoms, most doctors will recommend a low-cholesterol diet and tell you to wait till the gallstones clear. If symptoms are severe, surgery is explored. There are two types of surgery: laparoscopic and open. Laparoscopic surgery entails cutting a small opening in the abdomen. A light-guided scope is placed in the hole and enters the gallbladder. The scope clears the gallstones. Open surgery entails creating an opening in the abdomen and further opening the gallbladder, removing the stones manually. Open surgery occurs only in severe cases. Laparoscopic surgery has a faster recovery rate.

Porcelain Gallbladder

Porcelain gallbladder occurs when the walls (inside and out) of the gallbladder calcify. The gallbladder, under X-ray and ultrasound, looks to be made of porcelain, giving the condition its name. Porcelain gallbladder is asymptomatic; the condition is usually discovered in general X-rays or scans of the abdominal area. Symptoms might include pain in the abdominal area or in the lower stomach. These symptoms could represent a number of ailments. If these symptoms do continue, contact your doctor. If your health care provider discovers porcelain gallbladder, the treatment entails removal of the gallbladder.

Cancer of the Gallbladder

Cancer of the gallbladder is a serious afffliction. Unlike the other gallbladder ailments, gallbladder cancer has definite side effects. Abdominal pain, abdominal bleeding, itchiness, loss of appetite, weight loss (while not trying), nausea, yellowing of skin and eyes and fever are all attributed to gallbladder cancer. Treatment varies from patient to patient; however, in early-stage gallbladder cancer, removal of the gallbladder is the most common treatment. Follow-up treatment depends on you and your doctor and the severity of the situation. In advanced stages, removal and treatment with chemotherapy and radiation are definite treatment steps. Additional treatment depends on the treatment path decided on by you and your doctor. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your health care provider immediately.