Gallbladder attacks refer to sudden and intense pain or discomfort caused by a variety of issues affecting the gallbladder. The liver secretes bile, a digestive fluid that is stored in the gallbladder, a little organ situated underneath the liver. The gallbladder constricts and releases bile into the small intestine when it is needed for digestion.
Gallbladder attacks often occur due to the presence of gallstones, small deposits of hardened digestive fluid, cholesterol, or bilirubin that form in the gallbladder. When these stones block the bile ducts or gallbladder itself, they can lead to severe pain, typically in the upper right abdomen. The pain might also radiate to the back or shoulder blades and can last for minutes to several hours.
Common symptoms during a gallbladder attack include:
- Sudden, intense pain in the upper abdomen.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes).
- Indigestion or gas.
- Fever or chills in severe cases.
Gallbladder attacks can be triggered by fatty or greasy foods, but they can also occur without a specific trigger. Treatment might involve pain management, changes in diet, medication to dissolve stones, or in severe cases, surgical removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy). Seeking medical attention is crucial during an acute gallbladder attack to prevent complications or further issues.
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