Gallbladder Infection Symptoms

Gallbladder infection is a serious, potentially life-threatening complication of gallstone disease 4. Infection most commonly occurs due to persistent gallstone obstruction of one of the ducts that transport bile from the gallbladder to the intestine. Bacteria in the bile may lead to gallbladder gangrene, rupture, abscess or a bloodstream infection. Recognizing symptoms that may indicate a gallbladder infection proves important, as this condition requires urgent medical treatment.

Fever

Fever is a characteristic symptom of gallbladder infection. Since fever generally does not occur with a typical gallbladder attack, the presence of fever is an important distinguishing characteristic that points to the likely presence of infection. Fever is the most common symptom of gallbladder and bile system infection, occurring in at least 90 percent of people with the condition. Chills are also common. A sudden temperature spike in someone with gallbladder-related symptoms may indicate the development of gallbladder gangrene or rupture, or the development of a bloodstream infection.

Gallbladder Pain

Side Effects of Gallstones

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Gallbladder infection typically causes severe pain, which usually begins in the right or middle upper abdomen. This is the same location of pain associated with a gallbladder attack. Over time, however, the pain increases in intensity and becomes more generalized, a characteristic that helps distinguish a gallbladder infection from a gallbladder attack. The pain is also more enduring than that of a simple gallbladder attack. Gallbladder-like pain that lasts more than 6 hours points to the possibility of a gallbladder infection.

Abdominal Pain and Tenderness

The right upper abdomen is typically tender to pressure with a gallbladder infection. Signs of abdominal cavity inflammation also commonly occur, such as breath-stopping pain with deep inhalation. The abdominal wall muscles may involuntarily contract when the abdomen is pressed upon, a sign known as abdominal guarding. Unrelenting rigidity of the abdominal wall muscles may indicate gallbladder gangrene. Temporarily diminished abdominal pain followed by the return of severe, generalized pain may signal gallbladder rupture. Pain briefly abates when pressure within the gallbladder is alleviated by organ rupture, but returns as the infected bile contaminates the abdominal cavity.

Gastrointestinal Disturbances and Jaundice

Cholesterolosis of the Gallbladder Symptoms

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Loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting often occur with an infected gallbladder, although these symptoms also prove common with a simple gallbladder attack. Abdominal distension caused by decreased intestinal activity and fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity in response to gallbladder infection or inflammation may also occur. Yellowish discoloration of the skin, or jaundice, occurs frequently due to obstruction of bile flow from gallbladder.

Rapid Heart Rate and Breathing, and Confusion

A racing heartbeat, rapid breathing and confusion are typical symptoms of shock, which may develop if a gallbladder infection spreads to the bloodstream. The blood pressure falls to a dangerously low level with shock, which often causes confusion, dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting. The body tries to compensate for the low blood pressure by increasing the heart rate. Shock can lead to organ failure in multiple body systems due to insufficient delivery of oxygen-rich blood. The development of shock is a medical emergency.

Warnings and Precautions

Seek emergency medical care if you develop symptoms that might indicate a gallbladder attack or infection. As the early signs and symptoms of these two conditions overlap, distinguishing between them typically requires medical testing and a period of close observation by healthcare professionals. A delay in treatment with a gallbladder infection increases the likelihood of a potentially life-threatening complication, such as a gallbladder rupture or spread of the infection to the bloodstream.