Gallbladder Disease Causes

The small sac-like organ called gallbladder is located below the liver. Bile, the digestive juice, produced by liver is stored in this sac and it is used to digest fats. Gallbladder releases bile into duodenum, first part of the intestine, when food containing fat is ingested. Bile in gallbladder is more concentrated than bile in liver. Development of gallstones can affect gallbladder health seriously. Severe pain in the right upper quadrant of the body due to gallbladder attack needs prompt medical attention.

Causes of Gallbladder Disease

Gallbladder disease symptoms resemble the symptoms of routine stomach disorders and hence are often overlooked. Most of the symptoms, for example, abdominal pain, fever and chills, loss of appetite, fatigue, heartburn, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, etc. resemble the symptoms of commonly experienced stomach problems. But such symptoms should never be neglected because worsened gallbladder issues can lead to serious health complications.

Presence of gallstones generally leads to cholecystitis or inflammation of gallbladder. Sometimes, bacterial infection or chemical irritation can also cause inflammation. Cholecystitis without the presence of gallstones is known as acalculous cholecystitis. Gallstones block the cystic duct and thus obstruct the bile flow. Chemicals and the gut organisms like E. Coli from accumulated bile affect gallbladder health and lead to an infection. Because gallbladder infection symptoms are always vague, chances of early detection of the gallbladder disease are very low. This usually worsens the situation and then in some cases, it eventually leads to gallbladder cancer or gangrenous gallbladder.

Unhealthy eating habits are usually responsible for gallbladder problems. The diet that includes excessive amount of foods rich in fat or cholesterol can lead to the formation of gallstones. Gallstones are nothing but crystallized bile salts or cholesterol. Obstruction in the bile duct results in gallbladder attack. High estrogen levels in pregnant women or in women undergoing hormone therapies can cause gallstones. Lack of melatonin is also considered as one of the causes of gallbladder diseases. The condition wherein gallstones are present in the bile duct is referred to as choledocholithias. Inflammation of the bile duct is known as cholangitis. Gallbladder polyps are usually benign and do not need any treatment.

Pigment stones and cholesterol stones are the two types of gallstones. Those who have hemolytic anemia, chronic hemolytic syndrome, gastrointestinal disorders, erythropoietic protoporphyria or biliary infection may develop pigment stones. Cholesterol rich diet increases the risk of having cholesterol stones.

Risk Factors for Gallbladder Disease

• Women are more prone to gallbladder diseases, especially those women who have had children.
• Low fat or non-fat diets (if gallbladder has to work less, there are increased chances of accumulation of bile and thickening of bile resulting in infection)
• Being overweight
• Losing weight very quickly
• Diet rich in saturated fats
• Very low calorie diets
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Diet high in refined foods (low in fiber), sugars, white flour, nutrient-stripped foods.
• Alcohol abuse
• Uncontrolled diabetes
• Not including enough vegetables and fruits (diet lacking sufficient fiber)
• Family history of gallbladder disease
• Ethnicity
• Cholesterol-lowering drugs
• Age over 40
• Hypothyroidism
• Hashimoto's Thyroid Disease
• Intake of estrogen
• Intake of birth control pills
• Excessive consumption of antacids
• Certain diseases like inflammatory bowel disease, hemolytic anemia, Crohn's disease, etc.

Treatment of gallbladder diseases includes medications and/or surgery. Gallbladder infection can be controlled with the help of proper diet and medications. Pear juice works great for gallbladder pain. Excessive consumption of caffeine, alcohol and red meat should be avoided. Removal of gallbladder does not affect quality of life severely but patients need to follow instructions of the doctor regarding dietary alterations.