What is a gallbladder? What does it do? Do I need it? Here we will take you through all the questions you might have.
What is a gallbladder
The gallbladder is a small little organ that is attached to the underside of the liver. It is usually about 7-10cm long. The gallbladder contains bile and sometime stones. It is connected to the bile duct that drains the bile into the intestines to help you digest fats.
What does my gallbladder do?
The gallbladder is a storage organ for bile. Bile is a green fluid that is made in the liver and is needed for digestion of fats. After the liver makes the bile it is stored in the gallbladder.
When we eat fatty foods, it signals the gallbladder to squeeze the bile out. It travels down the bile duct and enters into the intestine to help digestion.
Why did I get stones in my gallbladder?
Stones form from having too much cholesterol or bilirubin, two substances found in the gallbladder.
Some risks factors for developing stones are:
- pregnancy
- rapid weight loss
- females
- over weight
- genetics
- age over 40
What are symptoms of a gallbladder attack?
- Pain
- on the right upper side, under the rib cage
- can radiate to the right shoulder or to the back
- starts after a greasy meal
- lasts 30 min to 4 hours
- goes away on its own
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Diarrhea
- Jaundice (yellow skin)
80% of patients with gallstones have no symptoms at all!
OK, I have gallstones, Now what do I do?
AVOID GREASY FOODS!
If the pain has already started, some of the things you can try are:
- Tylenol or Advil
- Apple cidar vinegar
- Heating pad
You should seek medical attention if you have:
- persistent fever
- pain that wont go away
- jaundice
- recurrent vomiting, and not able to keep hydrated
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