Ah, the gallbladder. It’s a small organ, but it can cause quite a bit of trouble, especially when things go wrong. If you’re worried that you might be having gallbladder issues, you’re in the right place to learn more. I’ll guide you through the top symptoms to watch out for. Before we dive into the symptoms, let’s quickly talk about what the gallbladder does.

What Is the Gallbladder, Anyway?

According to the Canadian Society for Intestinal Research, It is a small, pear-shaped organ that sits just under your liver. Its main task is to store bile, a liver-created substance to help digest fats. Now, when this little organ gets upset, it makes sure you know about it. In fact, it’s evaluated that up to 20 million Americans have gallstones.

Common Symptoms of Gallbladder Problems

1. Pain in the Right Upper Abdomen

The most classic symptom of gallbladder problems is pain in the upper right side of your abdomen. This pain can range from mild discomfort to severe. You might feel it, especially after eating a fatty meal, as this is when the gallbladder is hard at work.

2. Nausea and Vomiting

Another tell-tale sign of gallbladder issues can be nausea or even vomiting. These symptoms often accompany the abdominal pain and can make you feel pretty miserable.

3. Bloating and Indigestion

You may also experience bloating and indigestion, which can be confusing since these symptoms are common in many other conditions. However, when combined with the right upper abdominal pain, it’s a strong hint towards gallbladder issues.

4. Changes in Stool and Urine Color

Watch out for changes in the color of your stool and urine. Dark urine and light-colored stool can indicate a gallbladder problem, as it suggests a bile duct blockage.

5. Fever and Chills

If you’ve got a fever and chills along with the other symptoms, it’s a sign that the situation might be more serious, possibly an infection.

Experiencing Gallbladder Pain? Top Symptoms to Watch For

6. Jaundice

Jaundice, which is a yellowing of the skin and eyes, can occur if the gallbladder issue leads to a significant bile duct blockage. This symptom means it’s definitely time to seek medical attention.

7. Heartburn and Indigestion

These symptoms can also be related to gallbladder problems, especially if they persist and are accompanied by other symptoms.

What Could Be Causing These Symptoms?

The symptoms I’ve mentioned can be caused by various gallbladder-related issues, like gallstones, cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder), or bile duct blockages. Gallstones are the most common culprit, and they form when substances in bile, like cholesterol or bilirubin, harden.

When Should You See a Doctor?

If you’re experiencing these symptoms, especially the more severe ones like intense pain, fever, jaundice, or changes in stool and urine color, it’s crucial to see a doctor. They can perform tests like an ultrasound or blood test to figure out what’s going on.

Further Reading: Say Goodnight to Gallbladder Pain: Sleeping Positions That Help