Symptoms Of Gallbladder Disease
Published on Oct 07 2009, in the categories: Uncategorized
The disorders affecting the gallbladder and the biliary tract are extremely common. The main role of the gallbladder and biliary tract is to transport the bile into the intestine, which is essential for the digestion and absorbtion of fat. The symptoms of gallbladder disease are determined not only by the disease but also by the impact of the disease on normal digestion.
The most common gallbladder disorder is represented by gallstones, and some studies studies performed in the USA and Europe, have shown that about 15% of adults have gallstones. Most people with gallstones do not have any symptom (about 60%), in up to 30% of the people biliary colic or chronic cholecystitis will occur, and almost 15% will develop acute complications. The main cause of all the clinical features of gallstone disease is represented by the obstruction of the biliary tract, obstruction which may occur at any level of biliary tract ( the cystic duct, common hepatic duct, common bile duct or ampulla of Vater).

Chronic cholecystitis refers to the "nonacute" symptoms determined by the presence of gallstones over a longer period of time (days or even years). Biliary pain is represented typically by a steady ache in the epigastric region or in hte right upper quadrant, with a sudden onset. Nausea and vomiting may occur, as well as nonspecific symptoms such as dyspepsia, fatty food intolerance, heartburn, bloating and flatulence.

Acute (suppurative) cholangitis is a life-threatening infection and inflammation of the biliary tract determined by choledocholithiasis. The classic clinical manifestation are Charcot's triad : abdominal pain, fever and jaundice. This disorder is a medical/surgical emergency and if untreated it has a fast evolution towards sepsis, shock, and death.
Primary sclerosing cholangitis is an idiopathic condition which consists in a chronic inflammatory fibrosis and consequent obliteration of the hepatic bile ducts. The clinical manifestations of primary sclerosing cholangitis are various and range from asymptomatic patients with abnormal levels of liver enzymes to recurrent fever, abdominal pain, chills, and jaundice.
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