Alternate Names: Biliary disease; Gallbladder attack

Causes and Risks:

The gallbladder is a sac located under the liver. It stores and concentrates the bile produced in the liver. Bile is released from the gallbladder in response to food, especially fats, in the upper small intestine (duodenum). Conditions which slow or obstruct the flow of bile out of the gall bladder result in gallbladder disease.

Types of gallbladder disease include:

• cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder)
• cholelithiasis (gall stones)

Prevention:

In most cases, prevention is not possible. Reducing intake of fatty foods and weight reduction may reduce symptoms in people with gallbladder disease.

Symptoms:

• abdominal fullness, gaseous
• abdominal pain
  • severe
  • located on the right side (right upper quadrant) or in the upper middle of the abdomen (epigastric)
  • may subside over 12 to 18 hours in uncomplicated cases
  • recurrent or with similar pain in past
  • occurs following meals
  • worsens during deep inspiration
  • radiating to back or below the right shoulder blade (right scapular area)
  • worsens after eating or drinking greasy (high fat) foods or fluids
• fever
• nausea
• vomiting
• heartburn
• chills and shaking
• chest pain under the breastbone

Signs and Tests:

Examination of the abdomen by touch (palpation) may reveal tenderness.

Tests that detect the presence of gallstones or inflammation include:

• abdominal ultrasound
• abdominal CT scan
• abdominal X-ray
• gall bladder radionuclide scan
• A CBC shows infection by an elevated white blood cell count

This disease may also alter the results of the following tests:

• lipase
• amylase
• amylase, urine
• chemistry panel (chem-20)

Treatment: Treatment depends on the specific type of gallbladder disease.

Prognosis: See the specific type of gallbladder disease.

Complications: See the specific type of gallbladder disease.

Call your health care provider if you develop symptoms of gallbladder disease.