The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ located beneath the liver in the upper right part of the abdomen. Its primary role is to store and concentrate bile, a digestive fluid produced by the liver. Bile helps the body break down fats during digestion by being released into the small intestine after meals. When this organ becomes inflamed, a condition known as cholecystitis, it often results from a blockage, typically by gallstones, which prevents bile from flowing out. Early recognition of symptoms is important for timely medical intervention.
Common Indicators of an Infected Gallbladder
An infected gallbladder can manifest through several distinct symptoms, with pain being a prominent indicator. Individuals often experience a sudden, sharp pain in the upper right side of the abdomen. This discomfort may extend to the back or radiate to the right shoulder blade, and it can intensify with deep breaths. Unlike other abdominal pain, cholecystitis pain is usually persistent and does not subside quickly.
The nature of the pain can vary from a sharp, cramping sensation to a more constant ache. This pain frequently worsens after consuming meals, particularly those high in fat, as fatty foods stimulate the gallbladder to release bile, which can exacerbate the blockage and inflammation. Other symptoms often accompany an infected gallbladder.
Fever and chills are common signs of infection. Nausea and vomiting frequently occur, often after eating, as the body reacts to inflammation. In some cases, more severe signs may appear, such as yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes, a condition known as jaundice. This occurs when bile components, like bilirubin, back up into the bloodstream.
Furthermore, changes in bodily waste products can signal a gallbladder issue. Dark urine and light-colored or clay-colored stools may be observed due to the altered processing and elimination of bile. These observable signs collectively point towards a potential gallbladder infection.
Urgency for Medical Attention
Certain symptoms indicate a need for immediate medical attention when a gallbladder infection is suspected. Severe, persistent abdominal pain that does not ease and makes it difficult to get comfortable is a significant warning sign. A high fever accompanied by chills also suggests a serious infection requiring prompt evaluation.
Jaundice, characterized by yellowing of the skin or eyes, signals a serious blockage or complication affecting bile flow. If an individual is unable to keep down fluids due to persistent nausea and vomiting, there is a risk of dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. A rapid heart rate can also be a sign of a worsening infection or systemic response. These urgent signs indicate the infection may be progressing or leading to complications, requiring immediate medical attention to prevent further health issues.
How Doctors Confirm Gallbladder Infection
Healthcare professionals use a combination of diagnostic procedures to confirm a gallbladder infection. A physical examination includes palpation of the abdomen, where the doctor presses on the upper right side of the belly. A sharp increase in pain during deep breaths, known as Murphy’s sign, is a common indicator of gallbladder inflammation.
Blood tests are routinely performed to check for signs of infection and assess liver function. A complete blood count (CBC) can reveal an elevated white blood cell count, suggesting the body is fighting an infection. Liver function tests help determine if the liver is affected by bile backup or inflammation. Imaging tests provide visual evidence of the gallbladder’s condition and blockages.
An ultrasound is often the first and most common imaging test, effectively visualizing gallstones, gallbladder wall thickening, and fluid around the gallbladder. A computed tomography (CT) scan provides more detailed cross-sectional images of the abdomen, helping to rule out other conditions. In some instances, a hepatobiliary iminodiacid (HIDA) scan, also known as cholescintigraphy, tracks the flow of bile from the liver to the small intestine, identifying blockages or issues with gallbladder function.
Understanding Untreated Infection
Untreated gallbladder infection can lead to several serious complications. Inflammation and pressure within the gallbladder can cause the organ to rupture, spilling infected bile into the abdominal cavity. This can result in peritonitis, a life-threatening infection of the abdominal lining.
An untreated infection may also lead to an abscess, a pocket of pus, within or around the gallbladder. Gangrene, or tissue death, can occur if the blood supply to the gallbladder is compromised by prolonged inflammation. In severe cases, the infection can spread beyond the gallbladder, potentially leading to sepsis, a dangerous body-wide inflammatory response. Inflammation can also extend to nearby organs, such as the pancreas, causing pancreatitis. Seeking medical advice promptly when symptoms of a gallbladder infection arise is important to prevent these serious outcomes.