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Gallbladder Disease and Gallstones

Learn more about symptoms, risk factors and treatment options.

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What is it?

The gallbladder is a small organ near the liver that stores and concentrates bile, which helps break down fat. The most common forms of gallbladder disease are:

  • Inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis) 
  • Gallstones (cholelithiasis)
  • Cholangitis, when stones escape from the gallbladder into the common bile duct

Other gallbladder problems include tissue growths, which can be benign polyps or cancerous tumors. Additionally, gallstones can cause pancreatitis when they impact the opening of the bile and pancreatic ducts into the intestine.

 

Symptoms

Symptoms of gallbladder disease and gallstones include:

  • Abdominal pain or discomfort 
  • Jaundice 
  • Nausea or vomiting

When to see a doctor

If you’re worried about symptoms or if they persist, it’s time to see a doctor. Screening for gallbladder disease is not routine. It requires the expertise of a doctor trained to evaluate and diagnose conditions affecting the gallbladder.

 

Causes and risk factors

Gallbladder disease is usually caused by gallstones. Risk factors for developing gallbladder disease and gallstones include:

  • Age: 40 and over
  • Gender: Female
  • Genetics: Family history of gallbladder disease or gallstones
  • Ethnicity: Hispanic or American Indian
  • Obesity
  • Rapid weight loss
  • Pregnancy, especially multiple pregnancies
  • High cholesterol
  • Diabetes
  • Crohn’s disease

 

Treatment options

If you have gallbladder disease or gallstones, your treatment may include:

  • ERCP for treatment of common bile duct stones
  • Surgery

 

Testing

Your doctor can help you determine if you have gallbladder disease and gallstones. They may recommend the following tests or procedures:

  • Imaging tests
  • Blood tests

 

Prevention

  • Follow a special diet, low in fat
  • Maintain a healthy weight

Additional conditions

Hepatitis A

Barrett’s Esophagus

Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH)