Causes, symptoms and signs of a gallbladder attack
The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ located just behind the liver, on the right side of the rib cage. The gallbladder acts as storage for bile, which helps in the breakdown of fats.
Who gets gallbladder attacks?
Diseases of the gallbladder are commonly associated with the formation of gallstones. They are more likely to appear in women than in men. If you are an overweight or obese woman, between 20 and 60 years old, you are more likely to develop gallbladder disease. Especially if you’re using birth control pills or hormonal replacement therapies.
Other risk factors for developing gallstones include:
- a high fat or high sugar diet,
- a sedentary lifestyle,
- fasting,
- rapid weight loss and
- use of certain cholesterol-lowering drugs.
Though gallstones may be formed by bilirubin and other particles, they are typically made up of cholesterol.
Presence of gallstones may not show any symptoms in the beginning. When gallstones block the bile duct, the trapped bile leads to irritation and pressure.
A condition known as acute cholecyctitis, which is the inflammation of the bladder, may also result from bile accumulation, causing a sharp, sudden pain known as a “gallbladder attack”.
Signs and Symptoms
A gallbladder attack may last from 15 minutes to 15 hours. It typically occurs at night and is triggered by eating fatty food. The following signs and symptoms that may indicate a gallbladder attack:
• moderate to severe pain felt on the upper right side of the abdomen, under the ribs
• pain radiating to the back and the right shoulder blade
• nausea and vomiting
• dizziness
• burping and a feeling of fullness
• heartburn or indigestion
• excruciating pain that may worsen when sitting up straight or with deep inhalation
• fever and chills
• a bitter taste in the mouth after eating
• clay-colored stool
• yellowish discoloration of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice)
Gallbladder Attack Prevention
Diet is a big part of preventing gallstone formation, and in turn, preventing gallbladder attacks.
A low fat, low cholesterol, low sugar, high- fiber diet, and avoiding alcohol reduces risks of gallbladder attacks.
In addition, high amounts of fruits, vegetables, and nuts in the diet, and drinking coffee everyday can significantly lower the risk of gallstone formation.
Avoiding rapid weight loss and maintenance of a healthy weight likewise reduces the possibility of stone formation.
Treatment
When gallbladder attack occurs, measures to relieve the pain and discomfort include lying down with the left side of the body on top of a pillow. This takes pressure off the gallbladder. Leaning on a high- backed chair with arms raised up may also help relieve pain. Trying to vomit may relieve symptoms of nausea, and having a bowel movement can aid in removing wastes from the body which may have triggered the pain.
Attacks associated with fever, chills, and symptoms of jaundice require immediate medical attention. You should go to the hospital as soon as possible where your doctor may prescribe ibuprofen or paracetamol for pain relief.
Your doctor may do a gallbladder flush to help remove waste from those organs and improve bile flow. Coffee enemas are also used to open bile ducts and promote good flow. In extreme cases your doctor may perform a surgical procedure called a cholecystectomy (removal of the gallbladder). This is more likely if there is infection, severe blockage or the gallbladder has developed a hole (perforation).
The saying “You are what you eat” is actually more than a cliché. Since conception, our body responds accordingly to what our mothers consume. After birth, diet has a big influence on the development of our brain and vital organs as we age. Though often overlooked, food intake actually is one of the greatest factors that determine health and illness.
Diet contributes to the development of major organ problems such as the heart, liver, and kidneys. One of the organs that we don’t pay particular attention to is the gallbladder, and when it pertains to dietary relations, the gallbladder is no exception.
Gallbladder Diet for Gallbladder Problems
In most individuals, gallstones do not present any symptoms, however, when problems are noted, it might be very late and surgery may be required to ease the pain caused by gallbladder problems. A procedure known as cholecystectomy or surgical removal of the gallbladder is often the last resort when significant complications are present.
During gallbladder attacks, these diet recommendations can help minimize the discomfort and even the frequency of the attacks:
- Low fat and high fiber diet.
- Include plenty of organic fruits and vegetables in your diet.
- Use spices, ginger, and turmeric in cooking your food as they may aid in digestion and contain antiseptic properties.
- Eat green, leafy salads with small amounts of vinegar, olive oil, and flax oil.
- Take your last meal several hours before going to bed.
- Increase fluid intake.
- Take fish oil capsules, which contain Omega 3 oil that helps prevent cholesterol build- up.
It is strongly believed that taking moderate amounts of alcohol, coffee, and peanuts can help reduce the risk of developing gallstones. Though further studies are being implemented, taking those substances in moderation can possess some benefits.
Though a low fat diet should be applied, it is not wise to eliminate all intake of fats. Fats, especially healthy fats, should still be taken in small amounts to avoid losing the necessary nutrients that our body needs. Absence of fat can actually cause stone formation, because the gallbladder won’t be triggered to secret bile, leading to bile crystallization.
Gallbladder Diet after Surgery
After gallbladder removal, the body will undergo certain digestion adjustments, because the gallbladder is no longer there to regulate bile secretion. It would be wise to start from a clear liquid diet immediately after surgery and introduce solid foods slowly. These are the recommended dietary actions following gallbladder surgery:
- Avoid eating high- fat foods, such as fried foods, whole- milk dairy products, chocolates, pizza, gravies, oil, chicken and turkey skin, creamy soups, butter- based foods, and high- fat meats such as sausage, bologna, and bacon.Avoid spicy foods because they may cause gastrointestinal discomfort.
- Although high- fiber foods are recommended, introduce them slowly back into the diet, as they may form gas and cause cramping. These foods include whole- grain bread and cereals, seeds, nuts, legumes, cauliflower, broccoli, and cabbage.
- Observe small, frequent meals to promote easier digestion.
- Include lean protein meats, fruits, and vegetables in the diet.
- Limit intake of dairy products and caffeinated beverages following surgery as they may be difficult to digest.