Understanding Gallbladder Disorders: What You Need to Know

Are you feeling a bit off and unsure about what’s going on with your body? 

It might be worth checking your gallbladder, as the issue could be linked to it. But don’t worry! 

We’re here to help and break it all down for you. Read this article to the end to learn everything you need to know about gallbladder disorders.

What is the Gallbladder?

Moment of truth. So, what is gallbladder anyway?

The gallbladder is a small organ located just under your liver. 

It’s tasked with the job of storing bile, a fluid that helps with digestion, especially when you eat fatty foods. 

When something goes wrong with your gallbladder, it can cause a series of symptoms that can be quite uncomfortable.

What are Gallbladder Disorders Symptoms?

If you’re experiencing sudden pain in the upper right side of your abdomen, it could be a sign of a gallbladder issue. 

Not just that, other symptoms may include nausea or vomiting, bloating, indigestion, fever or chills and even Jaundice.

These symptoms can happen out of the blue and may even feel like a major upset stomach. But if they happen regularly or feel very severe, it’s time to get checked by a doctor.

What Causes Gallbladder Disorders?

Did you have different kinds of gallbladder problems? And understanding them helps you know how to deal with them. 

Some of the most common ones include:

• Gallstones 

These are known as small, hard particles that form in the gallbladder. These stones can block bile flow and cause intense pain.

• Functional Gallbladder Disorder 

In this case, the gallbladder doesn’t empty properly, which can cause similar symptoms to gallstones, but without the stones themselves. This disorder is frustrating and painful but harder to diagnose.

• Cholecystitis 

This is an inflammation or infection of the gallbladder. This is  usually caused by gallstones blocking the bile ducts.

Can Eating Disorders Cause Gallbladder Problems?

One question most people ask is, can eating disorders cause gallbladder problems? 

The answer is yes! 

Eating disorders, like anorexia or bulimia, can affect your body in many ways, and they can lead to gallstones or other gallbladder issues. 

That’s because the way these disorders mess with your diet and the way you eat can disrupt your bile production and digestion.

How Do Doctors Diagnose Gallbladder Disease?

Here is the thing, Doctors have a few ways to check if your gallbladder is the problem. 

In most cases they might…

• Ask about your symptoms. In order to know about your pain, nausea, and any other signs you’ve been feeling.

• Run some tests like an ultrasound (to look for gallstones), a CT scan, or blood tests to check for any infections or inflammation.

• Conduct a HIDA scan as well. This test can check how well your gallbladder is working and if it’s emptying properly. It’s used for diagnosing functional gallbladder disorders.

What are The Treatment Options for Gallbladder Disease?

Look, the treatment for gallbladder problems depends on what’s going on inside your body. 

Here are some options…

If your doctor finds that gallstones are the issue, they may suggest medications to help dissolve the stones, though this can take time.

In many cases, if the gallbladder is severely damaged or if stones keep forming, a doctor might recommend gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy). It’s a common and safe surgery.

Also, If you have a functional gallbladder disorder, adjusting your diet might help. 

Eating little, lower-fat meals can ease the strain on your gallbladder.

Is Projectile Vomiting a Gallbladder Disease?

Have you heard of projectile vomiting? You may have also heard that it is linked to gallbladder problems.

Although it’s more common in children with certain conditions, in adults, projectile vomiting could indicate something like a gallbladder infection, especially if it’s paired with intense pain. 

If you’re vomiting uncontrollably and have other symptoms, it’s definitely worth getting checked out.

Conclusion

Now that you’re informed about the gallbladder, remember that if you’re experiencing any symptoms of a gallbladder disorder, you don’t have to navigate this journey alone.

At Profound Grace, we recognize the challenges that emotional, mental, and physical health issues can bring. 

Our dedicated team is here to support you every step of the way, guiding you through diagnosis, treatment, and recovery with compassion and respect.