11:19 am Ask the Doctor: What are symptoms of a gallbladder attack and how to treat it?
The symptoms of a gallbladder attack often include right upper quadrant abdominal pain which often spreads/radiates to the back or shoulder blade. Many patients also have nausea or vomiting or diarrhea, particularly after fatty/greasy/spicy foods. However there can be a lot of variability—some patients have more pain in the upper center of the abdomen (epigastrium) and others simply complain of feeling belchy/bloated without a lot of true pain or complain mostly of heartburn type symptoms. More serious symptoms can include low blood pressure, jaundice, fever/ chills, and mental status changes that can indicate something more serious than a “garden-variety” gallbladder attack.
The main way to treat gallstones or a “dysfunctional” gallbladder which is causing attacks is removing the gallbladder (cholecystectomy). This is usually accomplished with the laparoscope (camera) through outpatient surgery although occasionally open inpatient surgery is needed. Some people choose to treat their symptoms for a time by avoiding trigger foods and can be successful for a while, however this does not cause the gallstones to go away and many will eventually require cholecystectomy. There is a medication to prevent you from making gallstones and it may also help dissolve them but it works very slowly and very poorly and is really only an option for those whose medical problems prevent them from considering surgery.
It is always recommended that you consult your physician about what treatment is best for you. For more information about gallbladder disease, you can contact Dr. DeFluiter at 423-542-7440.
*Submit questions to doctor@starhq.com or write to “Doctor “c/o Elizabeth-ton Star, 300 Sycamore St., Elizabethton, TN 37643
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