Gallbladder disease

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Digestive system	Gallbladder	Gallbladder	Gallbladder
Gallbladder anatomy

Biliary disease; Gallbladder attack; Biliary colic

• Abdominal fullness or gas
• Abdominal pain that is:
  • Severe
  • Located on the right side (right upper quadrant) or in the upper middle of the abdomen (epigastric)
  • Decreased over 12 to 18 hours in uncomplicated cases
  • Recurrent or similar to pain in past
  • Occurring after meals
  • Worse during deep intake of breath
  • Radiating to back or below the right shoulder blade
  • Worse after eating or drinking fatty foods or fluids
• Fever
• Nausea and vomiting
• Heartburn
• Chills and shaking
• Chest pain under the breastbone

Examination of the abdomen by touch (palpation) may reveal tenderness.

Tests that detect the presence of gallstones or inflammation include:

• Abdominal ultrasound
• Abdominal CT scan
• Abdominal x-ray
• Gall bladder radionuclide scan
• A CBC shows infection by an elevated white blood cell count

This disease may also alter the results of the following tests:

• Lipase
• Amylase
• Amylase, urine
• Chemistry panel (chem-20)

Review Date: 05/04/2006
Reviewed By: Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Frankford-Torresdale Hospital, Jefferson Health System, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.