Located beneath the liver, the gallbladder is a sac responsible for storing and concentrating bile. The most common conditions affecting this organ are caused by gallstones, which can obstruct or slow down the flow of bile from the organ. A number of other diseases can also affect the gallbladder, however, and they are more common as men and women grow older.
Gallstones, also called cholelithiasis, are made up of cholesterol or bilirubin that build up in the gallbladder. Many people don’t notice small ones, but if a stone grows larger than 0.3 inches (8 mm), it can cause pain and other symptoms. Cholelithiasis often causes cramp-like pain in the right upper abdomen. Other symptoms can include clay-colored stools, nausea, vomiting, excess gas, heartburn, and abdominal fullness. Women develop gallstones more frequently than men.
If a gallstone blocks the common bile duct or the cystic duct, it can cause serious health problems. The gallbladder holds bile, a substance that helps with digestion, and sends it to the small intestine through the cystic duct to the common bile duct, which also connects to the liver. When one of these ducts is blocked, bile can build up in the gallbladder, causing a condition called choledocholithiasis. Jaundice and fever may occur, and hospitalization is normally required at this stage to either break up the stone or remove the gallbladder.
Acute cholecystitis is characterized by the sudden inflammation of the gallbladder. This is also usually caused by gallstones and a backup of bile in the organ. Trapped and unable to flow properly, the bile builds in concentration, causing irritation and the build-up of pressure. Other symptoms include pain in the abdomen, nausea, vomiting, and fever. This condition can also cause the organ to become infected, and it can perforate, developing a hole. Antibiotics can be prescribed to treat an infection, and the gallbladder may be removed.
If the lower end of the common bile duct is blocked, it can cause pancreatitis. This is when the enzymes in the pancreas become active inside the organ and cause pain, vomiting, and internal bleeding. This condition requires immediate hospitalization.
Acalculous cholecystitis is a gallbladder disease that is not associated with gallstones. This inflammation can sometimes occur in patients suffering or recovering from major illnesses, trauma, burns, vascular disease, or deficiencies of the immune system. Though this condition is serious, it is also rare.