Most Common Symptoms of Gallbladder Infection

Cholecystitis is the medical term for inflammation of the gallbladder, which is located in the upper right abdomen. The gallbladder stores bile and releases it through bile ducts to aid digestion. When gallstones obstruct these ducts, the gallbladder can swell and cause pain and other complications.

Pain is the most common symptom of gallbladder infection. It can range from mild and occasional to severe and constant, often radiating to the back and chest. This pain is usually accompanied by other symptoms. Read on to learn the ten most common symptoms of gallbladder infection.

How Common is Cholecystitis?

Cholecystitis is a fairly common condition, with prevalence rates that vary based on the type of cholecystitis and the population under research:

• Acute Cholecystitis: Acute cholecystitis is characterized by inflammation that appears suddenly and is frequently brought on by gallstones that block the cystic duct or prevent the gallbladder from emptying. Acute cholecystitis affects 3% to 10% of all patients with acute gallbladder pain.
• Chronic Cholecystitis: Chronic cholecystitis is a persistent inflammatory condition of the gallbladder. It is usually caused by repeated episodes of acute cholecystitis or long-standing gallbladder stones infection.
• Acalculous Cholecystitis: Acalculous Cholecystitis is characterized by the absence of gallstones and is linked to conditions such as trauma, critical illness, and vascular diseases. Acalculous cholecystitis affects 0.12% of the general population, with males accounting for 80% of cases. 

Typical Symptoms Associated with Gallbladder Infection

Although gallbladder infection is characterized by pain in the upper right abdomen, other common and uncommon symptoms may occur depending on the specific reason for gallbladder infection. Let’s now look at both common and uncommon cholecystitis signs and symptoms.

Gallbladder disease includes a variety of conditions that affect the gallbladder. The gallbladder aids in fat digestion by concentrating and storing bile, which is produced by the liver. The gallbladder then transports bile to the small intestine through the cystic duct, which connects to the larger common bile duct.

The most common cause of gallbladder disease is gallstones, also referred to as cholelithiasis. Gallstones are hardened mineral clumps that typically pass without incident. However, sometimes a gallstone can become lodged in the bile duct, leading to four symptoms that are a sign of cholelithiasis:

• Gallbladder Pain

Bile cannot enter the small intestine from the gallbladder when a gallstone gets blocked in the bile duct. This is known as Cholestasis, which causes the bile duct muscles to spasm uncontrollably. Biliary colic is one such type of pain caused by a blockage. Typically, biliary colic develops as a burning, stabbing pain in the upper right section of the abdomen. 

• Low-Grade Fever

Gallbladder inflammation (also known as cholecystitis) can be caused by a blockage in the bile duct and reduced blood flow to it. One of the common symptoms of increasing inflammation is fever, which is usually mild.

• Nausea and Vomiting

Biliary colic often causes dyspepsia (upset stomach), heartburn, and gallbladder pain. When the bile duct becomes blocked, it can trigger a physiological reaction called noxious stimulation. Gallbladder spasms alone may also lead to nausea.

• Jaundice

The obstruction of bile causes jaundice, which is characterized by yellowing of the whites of the eyes and skin. Bile is made up of several compounds, including bilirubin, a yellowish pigment. Normally, bilirubin is eliminated from the body through stool or poop. However, if a blockage stops normal bilirubin elimination, it may start to build up in the bloodstream and seep into tissues, resulting in jaundice.

Unusual Symptoms of Gallbladder Infection

Gallstones are the most common cause of gallbladder disease, but other factors can also lead to it. Each type of gallbladder disease presents a wide range of symptoms, some of which may be difficult to recognize. In addition to affecting the gallbladder, gallstones can cause complications in the small intestine and nearby pancreas, which produces digestive fluids. These complications may result in unusual symptoms.

Here are some of the less common signs and symptoms associated with these conditions

• Chest Pain

If the cystic duct becomes blocked instead of the common bile duct, you may experience pain in the upper part of your abdomen, as usual. Some people, however, will feel pain in the upper middle of their abdomen or possibly behind their sternum (breastbone).

• High Fever with Chills

Gallstones are usually associated with a low-grade fever, which may range from 100.4 F to 102.2 F. However, prolonged obstruction can result in cholangitis, which is characterized by a high-grade fever and chills.

• Gas and Bloating

Gas and bloating are less common with gallstones, but they can occur with related conditions like pancreatitis. Acute pancreatitis can cause swelling in the upper abdomen, preventing the contents of the intestines from moving. This can cause gas and bloating as the contents begin to ferment.

• Itching

Itching, or pruritus, can be a symptom of gallbladder disease. This occurs when bile salts build up in the bloodstream, irritating skin receptors (nociceptors) and triggering an itchy sensation across the skin.

• Diarrhea

Diarrhoea can occur with gallbladder infections due to bile flow disruptions. When bile is blocked from reaching the intestines, fat digestion is impaired, resulting in pale, loose stools. The accumulation of bile salts may also stimulate water secretion in the intestines, which also contributes to diarrhea.

• Skin Changes

Gangrenous cholecystitis develops when the bile duct becomes blocked for an extended period of time. This deprives tissues of oxygen, leading them to die and putrify. Gas gangrene, in which gasses accumulate underneath the surface of the skin, can also result. 

Also Read: Health problems associated with the Gallbladder

Take Action for Gallbladder Infection Symptoms Today!

The most common symptoms of gallbladder infection is pain in the middle to upper-right section of your abdomen. Gallstones may cause pain, and a doctor may suggest gallbladder removal surgery based on the imaging results and the intensity of your symptoms. Therefore, it is beneficial to see your doctor if you notice any of the signs and symptoms.

Looking for the quickest and simplest method of gallbladder removal treatment? Look no further than the Apollo spectra. With advanced, minimally invasive treatment, our team at Apollo ensures swift and painless recovery. Schedule an appointment today to treat your gallbladder infection.