Gallbladder attacks are painful episodes that usually occur in the upper abdomen, but can also radiate to parts of the shoulders and back. The pain may last for a few minutes or considerably longer, and may range in severity from mild to extreme. Gallbladder attacks take place when your gallbladder becomes inflamed for irritated for reasons that will be detailed below.
Doctors call a gallbladder attack cholecystitis. The names biliary colic or biliary disease may also be applied.
It’s easier to understand why a gallbladder attack happens when you understand what your gallbladder does to help you digest the food you eat.
The gallbladder looks like a small bag which is located next to the liver. It is similar to the shape of your thumb. It stores bile, a substance produced by your liver, which helps break down the food you eat. This makes the food easier for the intestines to digest. It is particularly helpful in breaking down cholesterol and fats. A gallbladder attack occurs when too much fat and cholesterol build up and the gallbladder can’t properly process it all. This results in inflammation and irritation – and pain – which will continue until gallbladder function returns to normal. Eating a lot of fried foods can be tough on the gallbladder.
When a lot of cholesterol accumulates and remains in the gallbladder for a while, it can begin to harden and crystallize. Small formations may appear that look like tiny pebbles or stones. These, of course, are gallstones, which may also cause a great deal of pain. Gallstones can be as big as a golf ball. But they can also be so small they’re nearly invisible.
Gallbladder attack pain, as mentioned previously, may appear in several places. Besides occurring in the abdominal region just below the ribcage, pain is sometimes located in the area of the right shoulder or between the shoulder blades.
There are also several other ways you can experience a gallbladder attack. Sometimes the gallbladder becomes infected. Or there might be a blockage or obstruction in the biliary tract (which transports bile to the small intestine).
Pain is the most recognizable symptom of a gallbladder attack. Among the other symptoms are these:
* chills and a fever are common
* constipation or diarrhea
* dizziness sometimes occurs
* headache above the right eye
* slate-colored or light-colored stools are likely
* some nausea or vomiting may take place
* stomach bloating and stomach gas
Treatment for a gallbladder attack depends mainly on the severity of the pain and the nature of the cause. People who have sudden, intense gallbladder attacks may require immediate hospitalization. But hospitalization may also be appropriate in cases where attacks have become recurring or chronic.
Treatment may include intravenous electrolytes and fluids. Additionally the patient won’t be allowed to eat or drink anything for a while.
During gallbladder attacks, fluids can accumulate in the digestive tract. The doctor may decide to place a tube through the nose and down into the stomach to keep the stomach empty. A regimen of antibiotics may also be appropriate.
Sometimes, gallbladder removal surgery will be the best option for treatment. The gallbladder can be removed because the gallbladder is a non-essential organ – the liver normally produces enough bile for the body to function.
Gallbladder attacks will happen to some people no matter what they eat or how careful they are about their diet. This can be true for individuals with a family history of gallbladder problems. Nonetheless, everyone can reduce their risk by eating a healthy diet that includes more low cholesterol foods. Regular exercise also helps by clearing the system of excess fats and cholesterol.
(Editor’s note; The words “gallbladder attack” are also spelled spelled gall bladder attack by many individuals. There are also some typical mispellings, including galbladder attack, gallbladeer attack, and even gullbladder attack.)
Click on gallbladder attacks and the gallbladder removal operation to learn more about a healthy gallbladder.
Neal Kennedy is a retired radio and television journalist with a special interest in health and fitness.
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