If you or a loved one is suffering from generalized abdominal pain and concerned about gallbladder issues, you might have a few of the following questions: what are the symptoms of a low-functioning gallbladder, does gallbladder pain come and go, and how do you test if your gallbladder is working? Here at Suncoast Surgical Associates, we’ve heard all of these questions and more, so let’s dig in and answer some of yours:
What Is Gallbladder Disease?
Like any other disease, gallbladder disease is simply a blanket term for the dysfunction of the gallbladder. When the gallbladder isn’t working properly, and the cause is not known, gallbladder disease is the diagnosis; gallstones, cholecystitis, and cholestasis are three possible conditions. Once the cause is discovered, your doctor can help you chart a course of action that will help you feel better.
What Are the Symptoms of a Low-Functioning Gallbladder?
Some people don’t experience any symptoms at all – at least until the condition becomes critical. Other people may experience symptoms like abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting due to pain, loss of appetite, itchy skin, or even yellowish skin. Those who end up with infections due to gallbladder dysfunction may also suffer from fever, chills, or confusion.
What Are the Risk Factors for Gallbladder Disease?
While most acute (serious, sudden) gallbladder problems can’t be predicted or avoided, there are many risk factors that may increase your risk of developing gallbladder issues. Here are just a few:
- Being overweight
- Having lighter skin
- Having been born female
- Taking hormonal contraceptives
- Around the age of 40
For a complete list, check out Cabot Health: Risk Factors for Gallbladder Disease.
Are There Treatment Options for Gallbladder Disorders?
Yes, and your specific treatment plan will depend on what, specifically is wrong with your gallbladder. There are a handful of gallbladder surgery procedures that can be used if you have very severe gallbladder conditions. Otherwise, a change to your lifestyle and very close monitoring might be in order instead.
How Do You Test if Your Gallbladder Is Working?
The best test to evaluate gallbladder function is undoubtedly the ultrasound; however, you can evaluate your gallbladder at home with a simple test called “Murphy’s Sign.”
First, touch the tips of your fingers on both hands together, creating a boat-like shape. Hold this hand position as you reach down to push them into your abdomen, just under your ribs on the right side. Breathe out completely, then bend over forwards, maintaining this hand positioning. Breathe in slowly while bent over.
For a video of this, check out this video. If you experience any pain during this test, you may want to talk to your doctor about a gallbladder evaluation.
Does Gallbladder Pain Come and Go?
Since the symptoms can vary so widely per person, the answer to this is definitely yes – specifically for some people whose pain only appears when they take deep breaths. As your internal organs shift and rest, you can certainly experience periods of pain and periods of relief.
What Other Conditions Look Like Gallbladder Issues?
Any condition that can cause localized abdominal pain in the upper right side can be confused with gallbladder conditions. Things like liver failure and other conditions involving the liver, pancreatic issues like pancreatitis, and even conditions involving the small intestine might be to blame for some of the symptoms you might see here.
However, many of these conditions we’ve listed can be extremely serious and life-threatening if ignored. We recommend that you go to your doctor with any concerns – even if you don’t think it’s serious. Furthermore, if you are experiencing acute pain that induces vomiting, always go to the emergency office nearest to you.
