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Signs and Symptoms of a Low Functioning Gall Bladder
When the gallbladder is not working properly, a wide range of abdominal and digestive problems can develop. The gallbladder, a small sac under the liver, stores bile that is released into the small intestine to help the body digest fats. Common gallbladder problems include gallstones and cholecystitis, both of which can affect gallbladder function 2. In many cases, people can have a low functioning gallbladder for years without experiencing any signs or symptoms.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Pain
Gallbladder problems can result in a type of abdominal pain called biliary colic. This type of abdominal pain is typically felt in the center of the right side of the abdomen, and it can be severe. In some cases, the pain can radiate to the back and shoulder. Biliary colic can last anywhere from just a few minutes to several hours or even days, and pain relievers will not alleviate the discomfort.
- Gallbladder problems can result in a type of abdominal pain called biliary colic.
- This type of abdominal pain is typically felt in the center of the right side of the abdomen, and it can be severe.
Digestive Problems
Cholesterolosis of the Gallbladder Symptoms
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A low functioning gallbladder can also cause several digestive problems. Some people develop nausea and vomiting, and the abdomen can also be bloated and tender to the touch. In addition, loss of appetite sometimes develops as a result of gallbladder problems.
Other Symptoms
Other signs of gallbladder problems include fever and chills, which usually develop when the gallbladder is swollen and inflamed. In some cases, people develop chronic diarrhea and severe gas. In addition, when gallstones cause problems with gallbladder function, this can result in jaundice, dark-colored urine and light stools 2.
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References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Gallstones and Gallbladder Disease
- Mayo Clinic: Gallstones
- Njeze GE. Gallstones. Niger J Surg. 2013;19(2):49-55. doi:10.4103/1117-6806.119236
- Maurer KJ, Carey MC, Fox JG. Roles of infection, inflammation, and the immune system in cholesterol gallstone formation. Gastroenterology. 2009;136(2):425-40. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2008.12.031
- Halpin V. Acute cholecystitis. BMJ Clin Evid. 2014;2014:0411.
- Balmadrid B. Recent advances in management of acalculous cholecystitis. F1000Res. 2018;7: F1000 Faculty Rev-1660. doi:10.12688/f1000research.14886.1
- Ahmed M. Acute cholangitis - an update. World J Gastrointest Pathophysiol. 2018;9(1):1-7. doi:10.4291/wjgp.v9.i1.1
- Derici H, Kara C, Bozdag AD, Nazli O, Tansug T, Akca E. Diagnosis and treatment of gallbladder perforation. World J Gastroenterol. 2006;12(48):7832-6. doi:10.3748/wjg.v12.i48.7832
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- Ahmed M, Diggory R. Acalculous gallbladder disease: the outcomes of treatment by laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Ann R Coll Surg Engl. 2011;93(3):209-12. doi:10.1308/003588411X563402
- Shaffer EA. Gallbladder cancer: the basics. Gastroenterol Hepatol (N Y). 2008;4(10):737-41.
- Wang JK, Foster SM, Wolff BG. Incidental gallstones. Perm J. 2009;13(2):50-4.
- Bree RL. Further observations on the usefulness of the sonographic Murphy sign in the evaluation of suspected acute cholecystitis. J Clin Ultrasound. 1995;23(3):169-72.
- Robinson P, Perkins JC. Approach to Patients with Epigastric Pain. Emerg Med Clin North Am. 2016;34(2):191-210. doi:10.1016/j.emc.2015.12.012
- Pejić MA, Milić DJ. [Surgical treatment of polypoid lesions of gallbladder]. Srp Arh Celok Lek. 2003;131(7-8):319-24.
- Genc V, Sulaimanov M, Cipe G, et al. What necessitates the conversion to open cholecystectomy? A retrospective analysis of 5164 consecutive laparoscopic operations. Clinics (Sao Paulo). 2011;66(3):417-20. doi:10.1590/S1807-59322011000300009
- Katzarov AK, Dunkov ZI, Popadiin I, Katzarov KS. How to measure quality in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Ann Transl Med. 2018;6(13):265. doi:10.21037/atm.2018.05.01
- Catalano MF, Thosani NC. (2016). Clinical manifestations and diagnosis of sphincter of Oddi dysfunction. Howell DA (ed). UpToDate, Waltham, MA: UpToDate Inc.
- Lee JY, Keane MG, Pereira S. Diagnosis and treatment of gallstone disease. Practitioner. 2015 Jun;259(1783):15-9,2.
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (n.d.). Gallstones. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/gallstones
- University of Maryland Medical Center. (2018). Gallstones and gallbladder disease. https://www.umms.org/ummc/patients-visitors/health-library/in-depth-patient-education-reports/articles/gallstones-and-gallbladder-disease
Writer Bio
Anna Aronson began working as a journalist in 2000 and spent six years at suburban Chicago newspapers before pursuing freelance work. She enjoys writing about health care topics, in particular obstetrics, pediatrics and nutrition. She received a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from Eastern Illinois University and is now studying for a Master of Science in medicine degree to become a physician's assistant.