The gallbladder is a small, pare like organ with a very important function in our organism. It is situated near the live, in the right part of the abdomen.

Most of the food we eat is full of fat. Therefor our organism needs something to digest this food as it cannot be dissolved in water. This way, our organism has found a way to take care of this problem as well. Here is where the bile steps in, along with the liver and gallbladder. Bile is produced by the liver and contains many substances that dissolve fat. It also stimulates the production of some enzyme, that has the role to break down fat. This important factor in our digestion is stored in the gallbladder, until it is needed.

Whenever we eat something fat, our gallbladder knows and starts to contract in order to create a flow of bile. This travels through cystic duct, then the bile duct, finds its way through a place called the ampulla of vater and ends up in the intestine, where it is needed. Besides this important parts it has in the flow of the bile, the gallbladder also helps concentrate bile, by removing water. So if one decides to remove his/ her gallbladder, the digestion of fat may be very inefficient. Although bile flows it will not be as concentrated.

Now that we know what gallbladder is and what it does, it is time to find out about the gallstones. This is one of the most common disorders of the gallbladder.

An exact reason why this gallstones form is not known with certainly, but there are speculations. It is believed that when the gallbladder is not working properly, the gallstones are born. Too much water is taken from the bile, when the gallbladder starts to work bad, and crystal stones appear.They can be of different shapes and sizes and may grow in time.

A reason why gallstones appear is the fat food that we eat. Instead of eating a lot of fibre, nowadays people tend to eat lot of fats and carbohydrates.

There are symptoms that indicate if someone is suffering from gallstones, but they rearly appear. Most of the patients that are diagnosed with gallstones found that they have this problem by accident, during x- ray. If they do not show any symptoms, it is best to leave this condition alone as it has a very small chance of getting worse. If symptoms do appear, the indicated thing to do is see a doctor and try to get treated.

For more resources on Gall Bladder or especially about gall bladder symptoms please visit http://www.gall-bladder-guide.com/gall-bladder-symptoms.htm

Gall Bladder, Gall Bladder Symptoms

The gallbladder is one of the most important organs in the body. Its job is to store and to slowly release bile into the digestive system for the digestion of fats.
Gallstones are one of the most common problems associated with the gallbladder, and can become dangerous if left untreated. A lot of the time gallstones will go unnoticed for an extended period of time, and this is why it is so important to recognize the signs of gallstones, so that if you ever do develop any you will be able to notice them as soon as possible and take the necessary steps to getting better.
There are many risk factors for gallstones, including age, sex, bile duct abnormalities, cigarette smoke, hazardous chemicals, and obesity, just to name a few.
There are actually quite a few signs of gallstones that you may notice. Chronic indigestion is usually one of the first and most noticeable signs of gallstones. You may also experience upper abdominal pain, especially sudden and steady pain in the upper middle or right abdomen. This pain may last for several hours even longer and often indicates a gallbladder attack. Nausea, vomiting and a fever are also common signs that you have developed gallstones.
If you ever notice any of these signs of gallstones, then the next step you are going to have to take is to begin a treatment method. A change to your diet will be the first thing your health care professional will recommend. For more serious gall bladder problems surgery may be required. Laparoscopic surgery involves the use of a laparoscope, which is a pencil thin tube that has its own lighting system and miniature video camera and is commonly used for the removal of small gall stones.
Then there is also the option of open surgery, which differs from laparoscopic surgery in a few distinct ways. For one, in this surgery the gallbladder is removed through a large abdominal incision rather than through several smaller incisions. Recovery is also typically longer with this surgery and usually entails up to a week’s stay in the hospital followed by several weeks at home as well.
If you develop gallstones you are going to need to speak to your doctor and work together with them in order to come up the best treatment and recovery plan. Remember to stay positive and know that gallstones are treatable and with the right treatment and a little time you will be able to get back to feeling like your regular old self in no time.
Common Vitamins and over the counter products can help with treating gall bladder problems such as vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, natural antioxidants, Cranberry Juice and garlic.
Vitamin A is a known antioxidant and can assist the human body in the healing process. Vitamin A is stored in the liver and fat cells of the human body and can reach toxic levels. DO NOT take more than the recommended dosage of Vitamin A.
All of the different Vitamin Bs taken together as B-Complex work together as a team to perform vital biological processes, such as energy production and efficient metabolic function. Vitamin B boosts energy levels and help fight fatigue.
Vitamin C is essential for defending the body against pollution and infection. It enhances the immune system and aids in growth and repair of bone and tissue.
Substances called Antioxidants can neutralize free radical by pairing up or binding with the free radical elections thus inhibiting them from damaging cells in the human body. Natural Antioxidants are abundant in fruits and vegetables such as, apples, blueberries, broccoli, cherries, cranberries, Grapes, spinach, and Spirulina a blue-green algae.
Cranberry Juice may also help prevent kidney and bladder infections. If you are taking COUMADIN then check with your doctor before using cranberry.
Garlic counteracts the usual result of high fats in the diet.
Always consult your doctor before using this information.
This Article is nutritional in nature and is not to be construed as medical advice.

Gall Bladder Symptoms, Gall Bladder Treatments, Gall Stones, Gallbladder, Gallstones

The gallbladder is situated in the upper right side of the abdomen, under the liver and above the duodenum. Its function is to transport the bile produced by the liver into the small intestine when needed. Bile is requested after eating because it is used in the process of digestion. Until then, the bile remains stocked inside the gallbladder.

Sometimes stones can form inside the gallbladder and if they block the bile passage pain, fever and jaundice will install as a sign that something is wrong in the body.

If the doctor thinks that the patient needs to be operated he will tell you that there can be made a keyhole or an open surgery. The keyhole surgery is quite frequently used but is not recommended for those who have scars from other interventions, those who are pregnant and those who have a severe inflammation. The keyhole surgery is performed with the help of the laparoscope. The surgeon will make three or four small incisions inside the abdomen and through those incisions will introduce the laparoscope’s instruments needed for surgery. One of the laparoscope’s instruments has attached an optic video camera which allows the medical team to see what it is inside your abdomen. After that the surgeon will find the gallbladder and will remove it with the help of the other laparoscopic instruments. This operation is known as cholecystectomy. The wounds will be closed afterwards and the patient will be able to leave the hospital after two days.

The open surgery is usually made if the laparoscopic method is not suitable for the patient. The surgeon will make a cut inside the abdomen right under the right ribs in order to perform an open cholecystectomy. Then the gallbladder and the gallstones will be taken out and the surgeon will use X-rays to see if there are any possible gallstones inside the bile ducts and will remove those too. After that the incision will be closed and the patient will remain hospitalized for at least 4 days.

Sometimes people want to think before taking a surgery. This is a good thing because if you are 70 years old this operation could endanger your life. Also you can try other methods of treatment before going to the surgeon. Sometimes the gallstones can be pulled out without removing the gallbladder with the help of a flexible telescope the patient will swallow.

If you must have the surgery done you should get prepared first. You must give up smoking and lose some weight if you are overweight. Also, go to the family doctor and ask for a check up of your other affections. Inside the hospital other special tests might be performed but this depends from hospital to hospital. Take your current medication with you at the hospital but be careful to let the doctor know what pills you are taking before the surgery. Also, if you have no relatives talk to a friend to come with you at the hospital and to stay with you a few days after the surgery.

After the surgery if you had a laparoscopic procedure done, you might feel a little pain where the incisions have been made so be free to ask for some tablets in order to reduce the pain. If you had an open surgery they your pain might be worse and the nurses will give you injections and after a few days they will give you tablets. Due to the anesthetic you might be feeling confused, clumsy and forgetful during the first day after surgery. Try not to make any important decisions in this day.

The nurses will also take care to change daily the wound dressings and at a point the doctor will remove the drain tubes attached to your abdomen. The wounds are free to being washed with soap and water as soon as the dressings have been removed. Feel free to ask for advices from the nurses if you have questions regarding cleaning the wounds. Also, when leaving the hospital do not forget to ask for the sick notes and any additional certificates.

After going home you might be feeling tired and will want to sleep for 2-3 times a day. This is quite normal and you will be able to return to your usual level of activity only after one week in the case of a keyhole surgery or after two months if you have an open surgery. The wound has stitches and you have to go to the hospital to remove them after a few days had passes since the surgery.

Regarding complications they occur quite rarely. If the wound has got infected this problem will be solved with antibiotic drugs in a few weeks. Sometimes there are numb patches around the wounded area but they will clear up in a month or so.

All you need is patience because you can not expect to be as good as new only after a few days had passes since surgery was done.

For more resources on Gall Bladder or especially about gall bladder symptoms please visit http://www.gall-bladder-guide.com/gall-bladder-symptoms.htm

Gall Bladder, Gall Bladder Symptoms

The gallbladder is a small sac located between the stomach and liver, which stores the bile secreted by the liver in order to deliver it to the small intestines when you eat.  This bile helps in the digestion of fat.  Typically a person has their gallbladder removed when it becomes diseased due to the formation of stones or cysts.  Some 10%-15% of the adult population in the U.S. has gallstones, but only a small percentage of these patients develop them to such a size or extent that they cause a problem or even make the person aware of them.  There may also be inflammation that leads to the blockage of the ducts in this area.  This surgery is typically minor in nature with few complications.  Most patients return home that day or the next, and can return to work and normal activities almost immediately.

When the gallbladder is removed this bile secreted by the liver can no longer be stored and delivered during meal times, and flows right into the intestines whenever it is produced.  This means that there is still that necessary bile in the intestines but the amount is now being controlled the way it would be if the gallbladder were still present.  Without a gallbladder you can still digest fat and rarely need to make adjustments to your diet that include a low-fat or nonfat diet. 

As a matter of fact, the one common side effect to this surgery is recurring diarrhea, which occurs in about 10% of patients.  This happens because the surge of bile that a gallbladder delivers when one eats helps to control how quickly the food is digested and sent through the system.  Without the proper delivery of bile, the food moves too fast through the system and this causes diarrhea.  Of course, if any patient suffers from diarrhea after having a gallbladder removed, he or she needs to make sure to slow down while eating and to keep himself or herself properly hydrated. 

Most gallbladder removal surgeries today are being done laparoscopically, meaning that rather than cut the patient open enough for the surgeon to see what he or she is doing, smaller incisions are made so that a tiny camera can be inserted into the patient which gives the surgeon visual access.  The gallbladder is cut away and removed through these small incisions, as is the laparoscopic equipment and the incisions then closed.  This means less risk of bleeding and other complications.

Having your gallbladder removed is typically a very routine procedure and nothing that any patient should be concerned with.  It rarely interferes with one’s normal routine and can serve to protect your health in the long run.

If you are having problems after gall bladder surgery you should always talk with a nutritionist, or someone who is educated in this field and will be able to give you the best advice here.  You should consider avoiding chocolate, ice cream, eggs, red meat, milk, coffee, nuts, beans, pork, onion, chicken, milk, oranges, grapefruit, corn, hydrogenated oils, saturated fats, fried foods and margarine.

Nutrition is the most important aspect when it comes to dealing with gall bladder symptoms, it is important that you get an adequate amount of exercise into your regular life, and even if this means that you just take a walk around the block a couple of times when you have some free time.

Always consult your doctor before using this information.

This Article is nutritional in nature and is not to be construed as medical advice.

Gall Bladder Symptoms, Gall Bladder Treatments, Gallbladder, Gallstones

When liquid stored in the gall bladder hardens into pieces of stone-like material the discussion is about the gallstones. The bile is used to help the body digest fats. The same bile which is made in the liver is stored in the gallbladder until the body needs to digest fat. The gallbladder contracts and pushes the bile into a tube-the common bile duct-that carries it to the small intestine, where it helps with digestion.

Bile is made of water, cholesterol, fats, bile salts, proteins and bilirubin. The bilirubin gives bile a yellowish color and the bile salts break up fat. there are two types of gallstones: cholesterol stones and pigment stones. Cholesterol stones are yellow-green and they are made of hardened cholesterol. They are in an account of 80 per cent of gallstones. Pigment stones are small, dark stones made of bilirubin. Gallstones may look like of grain of sand or as large as a golf ball.

Any combination of gallstones may develop for example one large stone, hundreds of tiny stones. The biliary system shows the following range: the gallbladder and the ducts that carry bile and other digestive enzymes from the liver, gallbladder, pancreas to the small intestine. The normal flow of bile in any of the ducts that carry bile from the liver to the small intestine can be blocked by some gallstones. The hepatic ducts, the cystic duct and the common bile duct involves the bile which trapped in these ducts and can cause inflammation in the gallbladder.

Other ducts open into the common bile including the pancreating duct which carries digestive enzyme out of the pancreas. The opening of a duct may be blocked by a present gallstone which can cause an extremly painful inflammation called gallstone pancreatitis. If one of these ducts remain blocks infections affecting the gallbladder liver or pancreas can occur. There are some serious problems considered as warning size: fever, jaundice and persistent pain. The cholesterol stones form when bile contains too much cholesterol, too much bilirubin or not enough bile salts, or when the gallbladder does not empty as it should for some other reason.

The cause of pigment stones is undefined. They develop in people who have cirrhosis, biliary tract infections and hereditary blood disorders, such as sickle cell anemia, in which too much bilirubin is formed. The gallstones have been indentified as cholesterol stones. It is believed that obesity is a mojor risk factor for gallstones, especially in women. obesity tents to reduce the amount of bile salts in bile resulting in more cholesterol. Obesity may also decrease the empty of the gallbladder. The cholesterol level in bile may appear in cases of excess estrogen from pregnancy, hormone replacement therapy, or birth control pills.

The presence of estrogen decreases gallbladder movement which can lead to gallstones. The Americans have a genetic predisposition to secrete high levels to cholesterol in bile. A mojority of Native American men have gallstones by age 60. Amoung the Indians of Arizona, 70 per cent of women have gallstones by age 30. Women and Mexican American men of all ages have high rates of gallstones. Women between 20 and 60 years are predisposed to develop gallstones as men. The elder people are more likely to develop gallstones than younger people. The risk of gallstones can increase because drugs that lower cholesterol levels in blood and at the sometime increase the amount of cholesterol secreted in bile.

High levels of fatty acids called triglycerides are present in people with diabetes. In a case of a rapid weight loss the liver secrete extra cholesterol into bile, which can cause gallstones. The bile can become over concentrate with cholesterol, which can lead to gallstones due to the fasting decreases gallbladder movement. The symptoms of gallstones are often named gallstone “attack” because they appear suddenly. A typical attack can cause: steady pain in the upper abdomen, pain in the back between the shoulder blades, pain under the right shoulder, nausea or vomiting. Gallstone attacks often occur after fatty meals and they may appear during the night. Other gallstones symptoms are: abdominal bloating, recccuring intolerance of fatty foods, colic, belching, gas and indigestion.

Patients who have the above and any of the following symptoms should consult a doctor right away: chills, low-grade fever, yellowish color of the skin or whites of the eyes, clay-colored stools. Unfortunately there are asymptomatic patients with no symptoms and their stones are called “silent stones”. They do not interract with gallbladder, liver or pancreas function and do not need treatment.

There are many causes of gallstones but doctors discovered many currying ways.

For more resources about Gall Bladder Symptoms or even about Gall Bladder Removal you can visit http://www.gall-bladder-guide.com/articles.htm

Gall Bladder Symptoms