Obese people are more likely to develop gallbladder attack symptoms. Owning to this possibility, obesity is considered a major risk factor for the formation of gallstones. High levels of cholesterol in the blood mostly caused by the consumption of starchy foods also contribute to this condition. Awareness of the signs is imperative in early diagnosis and commencement of the treatment.
Gallbladder Attack Symptoms:
- The symptoms remain asymptomatic or latent until the size of the gallstones becomes more than 8 mm.
- An intense pain in the upper abdominal region is experienced which increases steadily and lasts for 30 minutes to several hours.
- Pain between the blades of the shoulder, lower abdominal region or near the pelvis is also experienced in a few cases.
- Nausea and vomiting usually accompany these pains especially at night times.
- Consumption of fatty meals also causes experiencing of sharp and intense pain.
- Abdominal bloating
- Belching
- Indigestion
- Gas
- Intolerance of fatty foods
- Low-grade fever
- Chills
- Clay-colored stool
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes
- Some gallstones called silent stones do not affect the gallbladder, cause no pain and require no treatment
Risk Factors: Apart from being obese and consuming starchy food, being female and being above the age of 40 years are other risk factors for developing gallstones. Caucasian and pre-menopausal women are prone to developing this condition.
People diagnosed with gallbladder attack symptoms are mostly recommended to undergo surgery. It involves removal of this organ ensuring no recurrence of gallstone formation by 99 percent.
Complications of Surgery: Though in most of the cases removal of the organ has no negative consequences, there are chances of developing gastrointestinal distress and persistent pain in the upper right abdomen. 5-40 percent patients who undergo the surgery are found to experience these complications. 20 percent of the patients are found to get chronic diarrhoea too.
