Gallbladder disorders can be defined as problems associated with gallbladder. This small organ has an important role in digestion. Gallbladder is connected to the liver and the intestines. Its main function is to release bile produced by your liver. Bile takes part in food digestion. If there is any problem, gallbladder will not be able to work properly, and a person will start having other problems related to digestion. The most common problems related to gallbladder will be described in this article.
Gallbladder Disorders
Gallstones
Gallstones are considered responsible for most gallbladder disorders. Gallstones can be very small. Such stones rarely show any symptoms, and they are also known as “silent stones”. Larger stones usually lead to problems. If one of these stones gets stuck in the bile duct, this can cause inflammation and other complications. The symptoms can include:
● Indigestion
● Abdominal pain
● Belching
● Bloating
● Vomiting
● Jaundice
● Nausea
Gallstones can be divided into three groups:
- Pigment stones
– Cholesterol stones
– Mixed stones
Small gallstones can be eliminated in natural way, using herbal remedies. Large stones can require surgical intervention, especially if they have caused serious complications. Sometimes, gallstones can lead to severe gallbladder problems that require removal of the gallbladder.
Porcelain Gallbladder
This condition is another complication related to gallbladder. The causes are still unclear, but most doctors believe that it is caused by gallstones. The walls of gallbladder become hardened, which is why we call this condition “porcelain gallbladder”. This type of gallbladder disorder is rare.
Cholecystitis
Cholecystitis can be defined as gallbladder inflammation. In most cases, it is caused by gallstones.
Women seem to be more prone to gallbladder problems, compared to men. Other risk factor may include:
● Hypothyroidism
● Being overweight
● Low stomach acid
● Alcohol intake
● Decreased HDL cholesterol
● Hashimoto’s Disease
● Antidepressants
● Rapid weight loss
● High LDL cholesterol
● Heredity
● Ethnicity
● High triglycerides
● Medications for cholesterol lowering