If you’re suffering from issues with your gallbladder, including a blockage, it’s crucial to seek medical help. Gallbladder issues can cause a lot of pain, and if you don’t seek prompt treatment, the risk of complications will arise. Ultimately, you may need to see a general surgeon to address your issues.

Pain in Your Upper Abdomen

Perhaps the most common symptom is pain in your upper abdomen. This pain can be sharp or dull, although it’s often intense. You may notice that your upper right abdomen is tender to the touch as well. You might gently apply pressure to your upper abdomen to see if it results in pain, but don’t push too hard.

Heartburn or Indigestion

If you eat a meal high in fat content, you may find that the pain worsens. This is because your gallbladder stores bile, which is used by the digestive tract to digest fat. If you believe you’re experiencing an issue with your gallbladder, it’s smart to reduce fat consumption until you speak with a medical professional.

Heartburn can be caused by many things, including issues with your gallbladder. Of course, given how common heartburn is, simply because you’re suffering from it doesn’t mean that there is a problem with your gallbladder. However, if you regularly experience heartburn, it’s wise to speak with a medical professional. This condition on its own can cause immense discomfort and damage to your digestive tract if left untreated.

Lighter Stools

As mentioned above, your gallbladder stores your bile, and bile is what gives your stool its normal color. If you notice that your stool is lighter in color, it could be a sign that your bile is being obstructed. This can be a serious problem, and it's important to talk to your doctor if you notice this issue.

Yellowing Eyes

Gallbladder problems can cause your eyes to turn yellow. This is because your bile ducts drain fluids. When these ducts are blocked, it can result in rising bilirubin levels in your blood, which in turn can turn the whites of your eyes yellow.

What Do About Gallbladder Issues

According to the American College of Surgeons, 15 million plus Americans undergo some type kind of surgery every year. Gallbladder surgery is one of the most common surgeries and, given how important the gallbladder is, it’s a crucial procedure. If you believe you may have something wrong with your gallbladder, or your general practitioner suspects it, get in touch with us today at Houston Community Surgical.