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Gallbladder Disease

Gallbladder disease is swelling of the gallbladder, a pear-shaped organ under the liver that secretes bile, a fluid that helps with digestion. Gallbladder disease often occurs with gallstones. You can have gallstones and never have any symptoms, although if the stones are large, they can be painful and require treatment.

Signs and Symptoms

bulletPain, mostly on the upper right side of the abdomen
bulletPain following meals, intolerance of fatty foods
bulletNausea, vomiting
bulletLoss of appetite

 

What Causes It?

A gallbladder attack is caused by inflammation of the gallbladder. This usually happens because a stone is blocking a passageway in the gallbladder. Gallstones develop in the gallbladder when substances in bile form hard particles. They can be as small as a grain of sand or as large as a golf ball.

What to Expect at Your Provider's Office

If you are having a gallbladder attack, you will feel tenderness when the upper right side of your abdomen is touched. Jaundice (yellowing of the skin) occurs when the bile duct (a tube between the liver and gallbladder) is also blocked. If your health care provider thinks you have a gallstone, you will probably have an ultrasound. During an ultrasound, sound waves take pictures of your gallbladder. This test is painless and can be performed quickly, which is important if you are in a lot of pain.

Treatment Options

Treatment Plan

There are drugs that can help to dissolve your gallstones. It may take as long as two years for a stone to dissolve. Painful gallbladders are usually removed. Most gallbladder surgery today is performed with a laparoscope. A laparoscope shows the surgeon pictures of your gallbladder as it is being removed. You will have less pain, a smaller scar, and a shorter hospital stay than with traditional surgery.

Drug Therapies

Prescription

The following drugs can help to dissolve stones, avoiding the need for surgery.

 

bulletOral bile acids can dissolve cholesterol stones that are quite small (less than 15 mm in diameter). It works for 40 percent of people within two years. There are two types of oral bile acids: chenodeoxycholic acid—side effects include diarrhea and possible liver damage, and ursodeoxycholic acid—few side effects
bulletMethyl tert-butyl ether—a strong solvent; 95% of mass dissolves in 12.5 hours

 

Over the Counter

N/A

Complementary and Alternative Therapies

It is important to see your provider for tests before you start any alternative treatment, so that you will use the remedies that are right for the size of your stone and your condition.

Nutrition

 

bulletDecrease total fat intake, especially saturated fats (meat and dairy products).
bulletEliminate food allergens. Eggs, in particular, may irritate the gallbladder.
bulletEat more fiber. Consider fiber supplements such as flax meal (1 tsp. one to three times per day). Combine 1 heaping tsp. of flax meal in 8 oz. of apple juice for a drink high in fiber and pectin.
bulletLecithin (1,000 to 5,000 mg per day) for cholesterol excretion
bulletCholine (1,000 mg per day) and lipase (10,000 NF units with meals) stimulate gallbladder function.
bulletVitamin E (400 to 800 IU/day) and vitamin C (1,000 mg two to three times per day) promote bile production.

 

Herbs

Herbs are generally a safe way to strengthen and tone the body's systems. As with any therapy, it is important to work with your provider on getting your problem diagnosed before you start any treatment. Herbs may be used as dried extracts (capsules, powders, teas), glycerites (glycerine extracts), or tinctures (alcohol extracts). Unless otherwise indicated, teas should be made with 1 tsp. herb per cup of hot water. Steep covered 5 to 10 minutes for leaf or flowers, and 10 to 20 minutes for roots. Drink 2 to 4 cups per day. Tinctures may be used singly or in combination as noted.

 

bulletCholeretic herbs stimulate bile production and increase bile solubility. Especially useful are milk thistle (Silybum marianum), dandelion root (Taraxecum officinalis), greater celandine (Chelidonium majus), globe artichoke (Cynara scolymus), and turmeric. (Curcuma longa). Use these herbs singly or in combination as a tea or tincture (15 to 20 drops), two to three times per day before meals.
bulletEnteric-coated peppermint oil may help dissolve stones (0.2 to 0.4 ml three times a day between meals).

 

Homeopathy

Some of the most common remedies are listed below. Usually, the dose is 12X to 30C every one to four hours until your symptoms get better.

 

bulletColocynthis for colicky abdominal pains that are lessened by pressure or bending double
bulletChelidonium for abdominal pain that moves to right shoulder area
bulletLycopodium for abdominal pain that is worse with deep breaths

 

Physical Medicine

Castor oil pack. Apply oil directly to skin, cover with a clean soft cloth (such as flannel) and plastic wrap. Place a heat source (hot water bottle or heating pad) over the pack and let sit for 30 to 60 minutes. For best results, use for three consecutive days. Apply to abdomen, especially the gallbladder area, to help reduce swelling.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture may prove especially helpful in pain relief, reducing spasm, and easing bile flow and proper liver and gallbladder function.

Following Up

Early surgery usually ends symptoms and recurrence; stones may recur in the bile duct, however.

Special Considerations

If you have diabetes or are pregnant, there is a higher chance of complications from gallbladder attacks. If you are pregnant, use choleretic herbs with caution. Milk thistle and dandelion rootare safe in pregnancy. Talk with your health care provider before you take any medication or supplement.

Supporting Research

Blumenthal M, ed. The Complete German Commission E Monographs. Boston, Mass: Integrative Medicine Communications; 1998:422, 427, 465

Fauci AS, Braunwald E, Isselbacher KJ et al, eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 14th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 1998.

Morrison R. Desktop Guide to Keynotes and Confirmatory Symptoms. Albany, Calif: Hahnemann Clinic Publishing; 1993:118, 139, 230.

Murray MT, Pizzorno JE. Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine. 2nd ed. Rocklin, Calif: Prima Publishing, 1998.

Sabiston DC, Lyerly HK. Textbook of Surgery. 15th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders, 1998

Weiss RF; Meuss AR, trans. Herbal Medicine. Medicina Biologica; 82–89, 94–97.