You aren’t likely to hear much about your gallbladder unless it’s causing you problems. So, what are the signs and symptoms that your gallbladder may have an issue, and that you could be one of the 600,000 people every year who need gallbladder surgery?
Boca Care Surgical Associates offers colorectal surgery, which includes gallbladder removal. Avraham Belizon, MD, FACS, FASCRS, knows most patients experiencing the signs listed below likely need their gallbladder removed. But first, make sure you get a thorough examination so you and your provider can discuss next steps.
Take note of these four signs that you may have a gallbladder problem.
The most common problem that occurs with the gallbladder is gallstones. These are small, hardened bits of digestive fluid that block the bile from moving swiftly through your gallbladder. When this happens, it can be very painful. But it causes a specific kind of pain that providers can usually recognize with ease.
Gallstone pain often occurs in several patterns: quick, intense bouts of pain on the upper right side of your stomach; quick, intense bouts of pain in the center of your abdomen below the chest; pain in the right shoulder; or pain between the shoulder blades. All of these can be signs of gallstones.
Your pain will likely be severe and can last anywhere from a few minutes to more than an hour. If you notice these pain patterns happening often, it’s time to get your gallbladder checked out.
When gallstones block the natural flow of bile through the gallbladder, it can cause inflammation and abdominal pain. This often leads to nausea and vomiting. The pain you experience may also be a factor that causes you to become nauseous.
As the stones move around, you might notice temporary feelings of relief. However, the symptoms of pain and nausea will always return until the issue is dealt with. That’s why so many people don’t realize they have gallstones until they’re dealing with near-constant pain, nausea, and vomiting.
Another strange but easily recognizable symptom of gallstones is jaundice. This is the name for when your skin starts to turn yellowish. You may notice it in your face, arms, and chest, but it also occurs in the whites of the eyes. Any of these is a sign of jaundice. But why does it happen?
The backed-up bile in your system that has trouble moving through the gallbladder contains bilirubin, a natural pigment that gives bile its yellowish color, which can build up in the body. At this point, it often leaks into the bloodstream, causing jaundice. It can be easily reversed, but along with the other symptoms, it’s a clear sign that something’s wrong with your gallbladder.
Finally, make sure you’re paying attention when you use the bathroom. Your urine and stool could be trying to tell you that you have gallstones. If this is the case, your urine might take on the hue of freshly brewed tea (a light brownish color), and your stools might become a lighter brown too.
This happens for the same reason jaundice occurs: bile that should move through the gallbladder gets stuck and leaks bilirubin into the bloodstream. Essentially, this means that, once your waste leaves your body, it won’t have the normal color (darker for stool and yellower for urine) you’re used to seeing.
If you notice any of these signs, but especially if you’re exhibiting more than one of them, it’s time to get your gallbladder checked out. The usual treatment involves removing the gallbladder itself, which is much easier on the patient nowadays, thanks to robotic surgery.
Dr. Belizon would be happy to discuss your options with you once he’s thoroughly examined you for gallbladder issues. You can make an appointment today at our Boca Raton, FL, office; just call or book online. We’re here to help.
