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What are Some Symptoms of Gallbladder Problems?

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

Gallbladder problems can cause a great deal of discomfort. From a sense of feeling bloated to being unable to stand upright, people can exhibit a wide variety of symptoms of problems with the gallbladder. If you suspect you may have a problem of some type with your gallbladder, here are a few of the most common symptoms associated with the gallbladder.

It is not unusual for gallbladder problems to exhibit nothing more than minor symptoms in the early stages. The condition may at first appear to be nothing more than indigestion after consuming certain foods. This example of a symptom of a problem may or may not be accompanied by burping or a buildup of gas that must be released with a load belch.

Bloating and nausea may be experienced by someone suffering with gallbladder problems.
Bloating and nausea may be experienced by someone suffering with gallbladder problems.

The mild indigestion may move on to a lingering sense of nausea or queasiness that is similar to mild food poisoning. As the condition continues to worsen, gas and bloating move from being uncomfortable to being painful. If stones are developing and working their way through the bile duct, the individual may begin to experience sharp pains in the lower right side of the abdomen. The sharp pains associated with gallbladder problems caused by the presence of stones usually reaches a peak and then levels off as the stones settle in the bile duct for a short time.

Symptoms of gallbladder problems may include pain between the shoulder blades.
Symptoms of gallbladder problems may include pain between the shoulder blades.

In the most advanced situations, gallbladder problems may be manifested in pain that emanates from the area between the shoulder blades. While this is one of the more common symptoms of advancing gallbladder issues, people often mistake this symptom as being pulled muscles or a problem with the back or spine. However, physicians are well acquainted with this symptom and can easily identify if the pain is due to a problem with the gallbladder or has another cause.

A healthy gallbladder and one with gallstones.
A healthy gallbladder and one with gallstones.

When gallbladder problems reach their most advanced stages, the pain may become so intense that walking in an upright position is not possible. The sharp pains along the right side and between the shoulder blades make it impossible to sit or stand with any degree of comfort. If a doctor has not been consulted before reaching this stage, it is imperative that medical treatment is sought immediately.

Burping can be an early indication of a gallbladder problem.
Burping can be an early indication of a gallbladder problem.

Fortunately there is more than one way to treat gallbladder problems. A physician can determine the current status of the problem and initiate a treatment that will help alleviate the pain and also address the core issue. In some cases, it is possible to use prescription medication to deal with gallbladder issues. However, some of the more severe problems may require some type of surgery in order to correct the issue.

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including TheHealthBoard, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

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Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including TheHealthBoard, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

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Discussion Comments

Charlie89

@Planch -- While there are a ton of "gallbladder problems diets" out there, it's all pretty much the same thing.

You're going to want to avoid eggs, pork, milk, coffee, citrus fruits, alcohol, saturated fats, nuts, and partially hydrogenated oils.

Good foods for gallbladder problems include cucumbers and beets, green beans, fresh vegetables, and flax oil.

Of course, everybody is different, and these are just general guidelines. If you are really concerned about it I suggest you ask a doctor or see a nutritionist.

Good luck!

Planch

What is a really good diet for gallbladder problems?

My husband is prone to them, and we wanted to know if anybody had had any experience with a good gallbladder diet, specifically, what foods to avoid with gallbladder problems.

Does anybody have any experience with this, or know where we should look?

CopperPipe

Some other gallbladder problem symptoms include a headache over the eyes, pain after deep inhalation, light-colored stools, and diarrhea.

anon37522

how can a surgeon mistakenly cut the aortic valve as indicated in the article about the surgeon performing a gallbladder removal on an Air Force member, who ends up losing both his legs as a result?

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    • Bloating and nausea may be experienced by someone suffering with gallbladder problems.
      By: Rafael Ben-Ari
      Bloating and nausea may be experienced by someone suffering with gallbladder problems.
    • Symptoms of gallbladder problems may include pain between the shoulder blades.
      By: Africa Studio
      Symptoms of gallbladder problems may include pain between the shoulder blades.
    • A healthy gallbladder and one with gallstones.
      By: Alila
      A healthy gallbladder and one with gallstones.
    • Burping can be an early indication of a gallbladder problem.
      By: Dan Race
      Burping can be an early indication of a gallbladder problem.
    • The first recognizable sign of a gallbladder problem is often a sharp pain in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen.
      By: photoillustrator.eu
      The first recognizable sign of a gallbladder problem is often a sharp pain in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen.