Top 8 Gall Blader Questions to Ask Yourself and Your Doctor

The gall blader is a small organ that functions as a bile concentrator and as a aid in digesting dietary fats.

Here are the TOP questions you may want to ask your doctor when you see him/her next time.

1)     can gallstones go away without getting treatment

2)     can my body still work properly without a gall blader?

3)     What are the risks of gallbladder surgery?

4)     how much at risk am I to develop gallstones?

5)     What are the risks from having gallstones?

Top 3 questions you may want to ask yourself

1)     do you notice the whites of your eyes or your skin yellowing

2)     do you often have gastrointestinal pain

3)     does pain occur more often after a meal

A major concern with this organ is that it is prone to developing gallstones, hard and pebble-like deposits that form inside of the organ. These gallstones can be either small or as large as a golf ball. Gallstones can also get stuck inside of the organ, which can slow or stop the flow of bile.

When there is a blockage in the duct caused by gallstones, inflammation is often the major symptom. This condition is known as cholecystitis, and can also lead to a gallbladder attack.

Acute cholecystitis can cause sudden pain in the body. In most cases, gallstones is part of the cause. Symptoms associated with this condition is intense abdominal pain located on the upper middle or upper right of the abdomen. This pain may either be a dull ache or sharp and painful. It can also spread to the shoulder blades. Often, pain occurs after a fatty meal. Those who experience acute cholecystitis without gallstones present have a more severe condition, and it is often the result of trauma caused by surgery, prolonged or severe illnesses, extended periods of fasting, or use of an I.V. for a substantial amount of time.

When there is ongoing inflammation, the term chronic cholecystitis is used.  It is often caused by gallstones or sludge. Those with this condition may experience regular pain, known as biliary colic. If this continues, the gallbladder’s wall may thicken and develop scar tissue.

Galbladder attacks can range from 30 minutes to hours, with the peak of the pain happening 15 minutes after the attack starts. It can be very painful in the upper abdominal area. Also, you may find it more painful to breathe in deeply or while trying to walk or sitting up straight. Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. The whites of your eyes or your skin may also turn yellow. This condition is known as jaundice and may occur when your bile gets backed up into your bloodstream.

You should take immediate action if you experience chills or fever along these symptoms.

If you are experiencing a lot of pain and the symptoms listed above, I will advise you to seek medical attention soon. Cholecystectomy, otherwise known as the removal of the gallbladder via surgery, may need to be performed to prevent further complications and pain if the condition is very severe.