Are gallbladder symptoms in children different from gallbladder symptoms in adults? If you are looking for some answers, read our article. Gallbladder is located beneath you liver. This small organ has an important role in digestion. Its function is to concentrate the bile produced in the liver. Every time you eat something, your gallbladder will release some bile into your intestines, to help digestion. Without bile, some foods would be very difficult to digest – especially fatty foods.
Gallbladder Problems in Children
Cholecystitis can affect children, and it can be acute or chronic. Acute cholecystitis is more common in children. It can be caused by bacterial or viral infections. On the other hand, chronic cholecystitis lasts much longer. It is usually caused by gallstones. This type of cholecystitis is more common in children who are over twelve.
Gallstones can form when calcium bilirubinate is present in large amounts. These stones are usually dark in color, because of the black pigment. Brown-colored stones can also form, but these stones are very rare. In most cases, the stones will develop inside the bile duct.
Gallbladder Problems in Children: The Causes
Gallbladder disorders in children should be treated in time! If left untreated, they can trigger other problems. The most common causes of gallbladder disorders in children include:
● Abdominal surgery
● Poor diet
● Weak immune system
● Chronic liver disease
● Parenteral nutrition
● Trauma
● Hemolytic disease
● Some medications
● Obesity
● Bilinary tract problems
● Acute renal failure
● Weigh loss diet
What Are the Symptoms?
● The most common symptoms of gallbladder disorders in children are very similar to those seen in adults. Gallbladder symptoms can be quite non-specific, so you may think that your child has some other problem. Therefore, it is important to take the child to your doctor.
● Abdominal pain and/or discomfort are the most common symptoms related to gallbladder. The pain will probably start right after a meal, and it will be located on the right side of the abdominal area. It can last for several minutes, or it can last for hours.
● Indigestion, nausea and vomiting can also occur.
● Bloating, belching, gas and burping can also occur after meals.
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● Fever and chills can occur as well.
If your child has any of these symptoms, you must not ignore them! Take the child to your doctor and see if there are any gallbladder-related problems.