Gallbladder gas is one of the symptoms of gallstones. Not everyone who has gallstones will suffer from gallbladder gas though. Gallstones form when the bile contains too much cholesterol, bilirubin or bile salts. Before we take a look at gallbladder gas and other gallbladder attack symptoms, it is important to understand more about the gallbladder and the role it plays in digestion. The gallbladder a small sac shaped like a pear that stores and concentrates bile. It is situated right under the liver. The main function of the gallbladder's inner surface is to absorb inorganic salts and water from bile. It also contracts to discharge the bile through the bile duct into the duodenum which is the smaller intestine. Bile is the fluid that helps in digestion - it breaks down the big fatty food particles. Gallbladder problems usually a result of common conditions like obesity, improper and irregular eating habits and could be hereditary as well. It is difficult to pinpoint one particular reason as to why gallbladder problems could occur. It could even take an infection or hormonal disorders to trigger this off.
Gallbladder disease symptoms could be anyone of the following:
- Fever: This is usually an indication that there is an infection or an inflammation. Gallbladder inflammation is usually caused by gallstones. Severe damage and/or infection could take place if gallstones get stuck in either the liver or some part of the gallbladder.
- Gallbladder Gas: As mentioned earlier, this is another sign of a gallbladder problem. While it is natural to pass gas or belch after eating certain foods, it is a sign of a gallbladder problem if this becomes excessive and occurs almost every time you eat fatty foods. If the gallstones are blocking the ducts, they prevent the bile from being sent to the stomach. This causes a build up of gas and you start belching due to the partially digested food. You may experience acid reflux and have a bad taste in your mouth as well.
- Gallbladder Pain: This is a severe and uncomfortable symptom of a gallbladder attack. The pain might start on the right side of the rib cage and then radiate and move onto different parts of the body such as the hands, shoulders, and even a back ache at a later stage. This pain is mainly in the form of attacks. It can last for either a few minutes or several hours. Severe abdominal pain is a symptom of a severe gallbladder attack and one should seek medical help immediately.
- Indigestion: This is yet another symptom of gallstones or gallbladder disease. This could be in the form of diarrhea, or constipation. Light, clay colored stools or a yellow colored stool is an indication of a gallbladder problem. Too much bile in the body lightens the color of the stool.
- Jaundice: This disease also occurs when there are problems with the gallbladder. Too much bile in the system results in this disease. The skin and the whites of the eyes turn yellow.
- Nausea and/or Vomiting: Nausea occurs from the buildup of bile and one tends to vomit as this is a way of getting rid of the bile.
- Other Signs: These include abdominal bloating, heartburn, dizziness, a feeling of fullness, tenderness in the abdomen, especially in the area to the right, a headache that occurs over the right side of the eyes.
The above are the warnings signs that you have gallbladder problems. A gallbladder problem should not be taken lightly as it could lead to other serious conditions if proper care is not taken. Do contact your medical practitioner if you experience even some of the above.
answered by M W