When It Is Important to See a Gastroenterologist for Gallbladder Problems

Your gallbladder is the tiny sac located underneath your liver. Its purpose is to store bile that the liver produces. The gallbladder releases bile during the digestion process to aid it.

This process is very much necessary for fat digestion. In some cases, your gallbladder can have issues that lead to uncomfortable symptoms and very serious health problems. Luckily, you can speak to a gastroenterologist who has the knowledge to diagnose gallbladder problems and help you work through them.

So, how do you know when to visit one? Let’s take a look!

Pain in Upper Right Abdomen

If you are noticing pain in your upper right abdomen’s upper right side, you will likely need to see a gastroenterologist. It can come as either continuous pain or simple symptoms that come and go every now and again. Either way, you need to ensure that you get it checked asap.

The pain can also come as stabbing pain, cramping, or throbbing. If this is the case, you may have a gallbladder problem that needs to be diagnosed and treated.

Gallbladder Attack

Lump in the Upper Right Abdomen

If you notice a lump in your upper right abdomen, you need to visit a gastroenterologist asap. The mass could be a tumor that has formed in your gallbladder. You need to know that detection early on leads to the very best prognosis possible for malignant tumors.

You need to get checked immediately.

Jaundice

Jaundice is used to describe the yellowing of the eyes and skin. This often occurs when you have an excessive amount of bilirubin in your body. It is a yellow pigment that releases as your red blood cells break down.

When you have a blockage in your gallbladder from a gallstone, this substance builds up and causes jaundice. It can also be a symptom of gallbladder cancer.

Abdominal Tenderness

Gallbladder issues can often cause mild to extreme tenderness in the upper right area of your abdomen. If you notice that this area is sensitive when you touch or press it, you need to see a gastroenterologist. Any symptoms need to be checked immediately.

Trouble Digesting Fats

Your gallbladder is a very important thing when it comes to fat digestion. If you are experiencing problems digesting fat, it could be because your gallbladder isn’t functioning normally. If you notice unpleasant symptoms or discomfort after eating fatty foods, you should speak to your gastroenterologist.

If you are experiencing anything mentioned above, you need to see your gastroenterologist as soon as possible!

Our Blogs

Checking Your Digestive Tract Starts with a Camera

Yes, a camera you can swallow is a real thing. Some parts of the digestive tract can be harder to visualize with traditional testing. That's where capsule endoscopy comes in. The process involves swallowing a small capsule containing a light and camera. As it travels...

Stop Blaming Your Last Meal

Your stomach hurts, so you blame lunch. Again. Was it the coffee? The dairy? The spicy food? Stress? That random snack from yesterday? When digestive symptoms keep coming back, it's easy to put one food on trial every time you feel uncomfortable. But one meal doesn't...

Your Gut Keeps Receipts

Your stomach hurts again. So you blame lunch.Then coffee.Then stress.Then that one thing you ate three days ago. But when digestive symptoms keep returning, the most important question may not be, "What did I eat?" It may be: What's the pattern? Pay attention to...