The symptoms of gallbladder disease are similar to those caused by stomach problems. Some of the common symptoms include indigestion, heartburn, belching, and loss of appetite. The affected individuals might also experience symptoms such as gas, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, fatigue and back pain; however, they often overlook these symptoms, as they link them to stomach-related problems that usually resolve on their own. For instant relief, they take some over the counter medicines. Prompt medical attention is required, when the aforementioned symptoms occur due to an inflamed gallbladder. Symptoms The symptoms may vary, depending on the underlying cause. The symptoms include:

• Frequent pain in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen
• Abdominal pain while coughing, walking, getting up, etc.
• Abdominal pain or chest pain when breathing deeply
• Stomach pain after the consumption of fatty or greasy food
• Low to high-grade fever, chills, fatigue
• Loss of appetite, feeling of fullness, heartburn
• Dark urine and gray stools
• Frequent belching
• Excessive burping
• Low blood pressure
• Rigid abdomen
• Chest pain, back pain, or even pain between the shoulder blades
• Nausea, vomiting, or indigestion
• Gas and diarrhea
• Jaundice (yellowish skin and eyes)

Treatment Prompt treatment is essential to control pain. The gallbladder works as a storehouse of bile. Excessive intake of fatty foods or very low consumption of fat can lead to excessive accumulation of bile and formation of gallstones. Blocked bile flow leads to several health problems, namely jaundice. Rubbing of gallstones against the wall or the ducts is the main cause of abdominal pain experienced during a gallbladder attack. Painkillers are given for instant relief. Intravenous administration of painkillers is required in case of severe pain. Some medications help dissolve gallstones. Lithotripsy also helps break stones. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy or traditional type of surgery is performed to remove the gallbladder. Patients with acute inflammation or common bile duct stones need surgery. Early stage disease can be controlled by following the dietary guidelines suggested by the doctor. Refined, fatty and fried foods are high in saturated fats, trans fats, hydrogenated fats, and partially-hydrogenated fats. The consumption of such foods should be completely avoided, if the function is affected by infection. While the consumption of red meat, cheese, and butter should be avoided, vegetables and fruits should be included in one's diet. Low fat versions of food items can be incorporated in the diet. If you want, you may include lean cuts of meat. Healthy oils such as olive oil and flaxseed oil can be used for cooking. It has been observed that pear juice offers pain relief. Spices such as ginger, garlic, and turmeric exhibit antiseptic properties, and you can use them generously while preparing your meals. You should have more number of smaller meals as compared to 2-3 larger meals. Since the excessive consumption of cholesterol can lead to the formation of gallstones, following a low cholesterol diet can prove to be beneficial for people affected by this disease. Gallbladder dysfunction can also occur without gallstones. This organ might not be able to function properly due to certain muscle defects or other problems can cause inflammation. Such conditions need to be treated with proper medications. Prolonged span of pain in the galls despite all the treatments given may ultimately lead to surgery. Maintaining normal body weight helps prevent gallbladder diseases. Women are more prone to such diseases, so they need to take extra care. Prompt treatment of thyroid problems, diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, hemolytic anemia, Crohn's disease, etc., is essential to prevent gallbladder-related disorders. Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a medical expert.