A small organ that stores digestive juices and aids in fat digestion, your gallbladder typically goes unnoticed — until it starts causing problems. Then, you might be surprised how much discomfort one small organ can cause.
Most gallbladder symptoms happen when tiny concretions or gallstones form inside the organ, preventing it from working the way it’s supposed to. Sometimes, these stones block the ducts that release bile, leading to severe symptoms and, sometimes, serious complications.
While you might be able to manage mild symptoms with dietary changes or medication, gallbladder problems don’t go away on their own, and many times, the symptoms they cause can become a lot worse. That’s when it’s time to think about gallbladder surgery.
As a leading provider of gallbladder surgery for patients in Nevada, Desert West Surgery uses state-of-the-art techniques to eliminate gallbladder discomfort once and for all. In this post, our team reviews some of the key signs of gallbladder problems that could mean it’s time to schedule a surgical consultation at our office.
One of the most common signs of gallbladder trouble is sudden, sharp pain in the upper right side of your abdomen. This pain often occurs after eating, particularly after consuming a meal or snack that includes fried or greasy foods.
Pain can last just a few minutes or extend to hours, even interfering with your sleep. If pain becomes a recurring problem, becomes harder to manage, or takes a toll on daily activities, surgery could be the best approach to finally finding relief.
While your gallbladder is on the right side of your belly, pain can happen in other areas, too, including the center of your abdomen, just under your ribcage. You might experience a dull, throbbing ache or sharp, cramp-like pains. Some people experience increasing pressure or a sensation of fullness in the area.
Your belly isn't the only area where pain can occur, either. Many people experience radiating pain in their right shoulder or between their shoulder blades. This is called referred pain, and because it occurs relatively far from your gallbladder, it's often overlooked. Like belly pain, shoulder pain often worsens after meals.
If a bile duct becomes completely blocked or you develop severe inflammation, you might experience what's known as a gallbladder "attack." Some attacks intensify rapidly, while others begin as a dull pain and worsen over time.
Gallbladder attacks frequently result in a trip to the emergency room, followed by surgery, often immediately if you have a blocked duct or signs of infection. Gallbladder attacks can have life-threatening consequences, so ideally, you should plan for surgery before your condition becomes this serious.
Everyone experiences bloating or heartburn from time to time. However, if you frequently experience indigestion, belching, or uncomfortable fullness after meals, it may indicate that your gallbladder is struggling with its normal digestive functions.
Over time, these symptoms can lead to poor eating habits and nutritional deficiencies as individuals attempt to avoid discomfort. Gallbladder surgery relieves these symptoms, allowing you to enjoy a healthy, nutritionally balanced diet.
Feeling nauseous or vomiting after eating is another red flag that might point to a serious gallbladder problem. As with indigestion, nausea and vomiting can interfere with normal eating habits, leading to weight loss and malnutrition. These symptoms can also be a sign of a blocked duct, a potentially dangerous complication.
Gallstones don't go away on their own, and in most cases, the symptoms they cause grow worse over time. New stones can form, too, increasing the risk of life-threatening complications.
If you have gallstones that cause symptoms, in most cases, surgery is the best choice for relieving discomfort and avoiding more serious problems. Before recommending surgery, our team conducts diagnostic imaging and other tests to ensure that gallbladder surgery is the most appropriate approach.
If you're having gallbladder symptoms, don't ignore them. Instead, call Desert West Surgery and schedule a visit at the Las Vegas location nearest you to learn how we can help.
