Life Matters | fall 2004



 

How Do I Know if I Have Gallbladder Problems?

The symptoms of gallbladder problems are multiple and often variable:
 Pain in the right upper abdomen
 Pain in the right shoulder or back, under the breast bone, or in the middle of the abdomen
 Severe pain
 Mild pain that feels like an upset stomach. Often this pain is accompanied with nausea and vomiting.

Certain foods may bring on these symptoms:
 Oils
 High-fat dairy products
Fried, fatty, spicy, or peppery foods

If you have any of these symptoms, see your doctor. Your doctor may order several tests to determine if the gallbladder is the cause. Ultrasound can detect the presence of stones or an infection in the gallbladder. A blood test can show signs of stones blocking the bile duct or inflammation of the gallbladder. Nuclear medicine tests can show other problems.

If you have a gallbladder problem, you might need laparoscopic surgery. Ask your doctor if this surgery is right for you.



The editorial content of this online publication is taken from the print version of Life Matters published by South Central Regional Medical Center.

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