gallbladder in children

Overview

The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped sac under the liver. It stores bile, a fluid that helps digest fats. When the gallbladder becomes blocked, inflamed, or stops emptying properly, it can cause belly pain, nausea, and other symptoms. In children, the most common gallbladder problems are gallstones, inflammation, and poor emptying of the gallbladder.

No, gallbladder disease in children is not common. It affects less than 1 out of every 100 children, and it becomes more common during the teenage years.

Children of any age can have gallbladder problems, but it is most often seen in teenagers. It affects girls more often than boys. Children who are overweight, or who have certain blood disorders such as sickle cell disease, have a higher risk.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Sudden, sharp pain in the upper right side of the belly
• Nausea and vomiting
• Pain after eating fatty foods
• Pain in the right shoulder or between the shoulder blades

Symptoms in children

• Children may have sharp belly pain that comes and goes, often after meals
• They may feel sick, vomit, or lose their appetite
• Some children have no symptoms, and the problem is found only during a scan for something else

Causes

Main causes

• Gallstones blocking the flow of bile
• A gallbladder that does not empty properly (biliary dyskinesia)
• Inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis)

Risk factors

• Obesity or rapid weight loss
• Blood disorders such as sickle cell disease or thalassemia
• A family history of gallstones
• Certain medicines that affect bile or growth, but only under doctor supervision

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Make an appointment the same day if your child has belly pain that is getting worse, vomiting, or a fever, but no emergency signs.

Book a routine appointment if:

• Talk to your GP or paediatrician if your child has unexplained belly pain after meals, nausea, or repeated episodes of pain.

Diagnosis

A doctor will ask about your child's symptoms, do a physical exam, and order tests to look at the gallbladder and nearby organs.

Tests that may be done

• Ultrasound scan of the belly — uses sound waves to make a picture of the gallbladder
• Blood tests to check the liver and gallbladder function
• HIDA scan — shows how well the gallbladder empties
• MRI or CT scan in some cases

What to expect at your appointment

Your child may need to go to the hospital for scans. These tests are painless. Afterward, the doctor will explain what the results mean and talk about next steps.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause and how severe the symptoms are. If gallstones are causing symptoms or the gallbladder is not working properly, surgery to remove the gallbladder is often the recommended treatment. Most children feel much better after surgery.

Self-care at home

• Encourage smaller, lower-fat meals
• Help your child keep a healthy weight
• Keep your child active with play and exercise
• Make sure your child drinks enough water

Medical treatments

There are no medicines routinely used to dissolve gallstones in children. If there is an infection, the hospital team may give antibiotics and pain relief, but your child's doctor will decide all treatments.

When is surgery considered?

Gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy) is usually done using small cuts in the belly and a camera. Most children go home within a day or two and recover fully.

Living with this condition

After surgery, children can eat a normal diet and soon return to school and activities. Some children have loose stools for a little while after surgery, but this usually settles with time.

Lifestyle tips

• Offer a balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
• Limit fried and very fatty foods
• Encourage regular physical activity

Diet and exercise

Eating well and staying active are important for all children. Once the gallbladder is removed, the body can still digest food well, and a healthy lifestyle will help your child feel their best.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Living with belly pain can be worrying and stressful for a child. It can affect sleep, school, and mood. It is important to listen to your child, comfort them, and let them ask questions. A counsellor or child psychologist can also help.

Prevention

You cannot always prevent gallbladder problems, but helping your child keep a healthy weight and avoid very high-fat diets may lower the risk.

Vaccines

There is no vaccine for gallbladder problems.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening test for gallbladder disease in children. Tests are done if symptoms appear.

Complications

If left untreated

• Gallbladder infection (cholecystitis)
• Blockage of the bile duct, causing jaundice
• Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)

Long-term outlook

The outlook for children with gallbladder problems is very good. With the right care, and surgery if needed, most children recover fully and go on to live healthy, active lives.

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