Gall Bladder Symptoms & Caffeine

The gallbladder stores bile made by the liver. Bile helps you digest fats. During digestion, bile moves from your gall bladder to the small intestine through the cystic duct and common bile duct.The most common causes of gallbladder symptoms are gallstones and gall inflammation, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center 1. Caffeine may prevent gallstones.

Gallstones and Caffeine

Gallstones are solid stones formed in the gallbladder made from cholesterol, bile salts and calcium. Gallstones can be smaller than a grain of sand or as large as a golf ball. Recent research suggests that caffeine may help lower the risk of gallstones, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center 1. Caffeine appears to stimulate gallbladder contraction and the flow of bile, which prevents bile from crystallizing into gallstones. Consult your doctor before increasing caffeine intake.

Gallbladder Inflammation and Caffeine

Gall bladder inflammation occurs when gallstones block the common bile duct and cystic duct leading to an infection. Drinking coffee can worsen symptoms of gallbladder inflammation. Coffee causes the inflamed gallbladder to contract which leads to severe pain in the upper right part of your abdomen.The pain may radiate from your abdomen to your right shoulder. If your gallbladder is inflamed, the doctor may advise you to avoid caffeinated beverages such as coffee, tea, colas and energy drinks.

Gall Stones Symptoms

Most gallstones do not cause symptoms. Gallbladder symptoms usually occur when gallstones block cystic duct or common bile duct. The most common symptom of gallstones is upper right abdominal pain that may spread to the upper back or shoulder blade area. The pain usually occurs within minutes of a meal. The pain may be severe enough to prevent you from taking normal or deep breaths, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center 1. Contact your doctor for further evaluation.

Gallbladder Inflammation Symptoms

Symptoms of gallbladder inflammation usually occurs after a high fat meal. If you notice these symptoms, seek immediate medical care.