The gallbladder is the pear-shaped organ located behind the liver, on the right side of the abdomen. It plays an important role in digestion as a storage area for bile.
Bile is that green, yellow, or brown liquid that’s used for the digestion of fat. Produced by the liver, it is stored in the gallbladder until it’s ready for use. When you eat fatty food, the gallbladder contracts to release the bile into the small intestine.
What happens when you have a gallbladder issue?
There are certain conditions that may keep your gallbladder from functioning normally. These gallbladder problems can cause intense pain, nausea, and vomiting.
Common Gallbladder Problems
Here are some of the most common conditions affecting your gallbladder:
Gallstones
Gallstones are hard materials that can form in your gallbladder. They can be made of cholesterol or bile salt.
It’s still unclear what exactly causes them, but being overweight, a middle-aged woman puts you at an increased risk of developing gallstones.
Cholecystitis
Also known as the inflammation of the gallbladder, cholecystitis usually occurs as a result of gallstones obstruction. When left unmanaged, it can lead to a myriad of complications including a tear in the gallbladder or infection in the bile.
Gallbladder polyps
These are abnormal growths in your gallbladder. Although most cases of gallbladder polyps are benign (non-cancerous), they can cause discomfort in the right upper side of the abdomen.
Some gallbladder issues can be prevented by keeping a healthy weight and having a well-balanced diet (plenty of fiber and healthier sources of fat).
If you suspect you have a gallbladder issue, the physicians of Premier Surgical Associates in Knoxville and Cleveland, TN, are experienced in diagnosing and surgically managing gallbladder disease and treat thousands of gallbladder patients each year. To request an appointment with one of our surgeons, visit https://www.premiersurgical.com/request-appointment/ or access our list of offices at (865) 306-5775.