Living with gallbladder

Overview

The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ that sits under your liver. It stores bile, a fluid your body makes to help digest fats. When this organ becomes painful or stops working well, doctors call it gallbladder disease. The most common gallbladder problem is gallstones—hard, pebble-like deposits that form inside the gallbladder. Most people with gallstones never have symptoms, but when they do, it can be very uncomfortable.

Yes. Gallbladder problems, especially gallstones, are among the most common digestive conditions. In many countries, about 10–15% of adults have gallstones.

It can affect anyone, but it is more common in women, people over 40, people who are overweight or have diabetes, and people with a family history of gallbladder problems.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Sudden, sharp pain in the upper right side of your belly that can spread to your back or right shoulder
• Pain that gets worse after eating fatty or heavy meals
• Nausea or vomiting
• Bloating, gas, or indigestion

Symptoms in children

• Belly pain (often not clearly on the right side)
• Nausea or vomiting
• Irritability or poor feeding in younger children

Symptoms in older adults

• Fever without obvious cause
• Confusion or drowsiness
• Loss of appetite
• Less specific belly pain—they may not feel sharp pain

Causes

Main causes

• Gallstones form when bile contains too much cholesterol or a waste product called bilirubin, leading to hard stones.
• The gallbladder does not empty fully or often enough, which can cause bile to become thick and form stones.
• Inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis) can result from stones blocking the gallbladder’s opening.

Risk factors

• Being female (especially pregnant, or taking certain hormones)
• Being over 40
• Carrying extra weight, especially around the waist
• Rapid weight loss or crash dieting
• Eating a diet high in fat and low in fibre
• Family history of gallstones
• Having diabetes, cirrhosis, or certain blood disorders

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have any of the emergency symptoms listed above, call emergency services right away.
• If you have steady pain lasting over 2 hours, see a doctor on the same day.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you notice brief pain after meals, bloating, or nausea that keeps happening, book a routine appointment.
• If you have been told you have gallstones and feel any new symptoms, have a check-up.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, examine your belly, and likely order an imaging test to look at your gallbladder. Ultrasound is usually the first and easiest test.

Tests that may be done

• Ultrasound of the abdomen
• Blood tests to check liver function and signs of infection
• HIDA scan (a special scan that shows how well your gallbladder empties)
• CT scan or MRI for more detail if needed

What to expect at your appointment

During an ultrasound, you'll lie on a bed and a gel is placed on your belly. A small probe moves across your skin—it's painless and takes about 15 minutes. Blood tests involve a quick needle in your arm. Your healthcare team will explain results and next steps.

Treatment

Treatment depends on whether you have symptoms and how severe they are. If you have gallstones but no symptoms, doctors often recommend watching and waiting. If you have pain or complications, treatment may involve medicines, and sometimes surgery to remove the gallbladder.

Self-care at home

• Eat smaller, more frequent meals instead of large heavy ones.
• Reduce your intake of fried and high-fat foods that may trigger pain.
• Stay at a healthy weight, and avoid crash diets.
• Keep a symptom diary to notice which foods make you feel worse.

Medical treatments

Some medicines can help dissolve small cholesterol gallstones, but this can take months and stones may return. For inflammation or infection, doctors may prescribe antibiotics or other therapies. Always talk to your healthcare provider about what is right for you. Do not take any over-the-counter remedies without checking first.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery to remove the gallbladder (cholecystectomy) is a common and safe procedure. It may be recommended if you have repeated pain, an inflamed gallbladder, or complications from stones. Most people have laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery and go home within a couple of days. After your gallbladder is removed, your body adapts—you can live a normal, healthy life.

Living with this condition

After treatment or having your gallbladder removed, most people return to their usual routines. You may need to adjust your eating habits for a few weeks, but gradually you can eat many of your favourite foods again. Listen to your body and take note of what helps you feel best.

Lifestyle tips

• Try to eat regular meals and avoid skipping meals.
• Choose fibre-rich foods like vegetables, fruits, oats, and whole grains.
• Stay active with walking, swimming, or other gentle exercise.
• Manage stress with relaxation techniques, breathing, or talking to someone.

Diet and exercise

Aim for a balanced diet with plenty of fibre and not too much animal fat. Regular physical activity helps keep your weight in check and supports healthy digestion. If you've had surgery, start with short walks and follow your surgeon's advice about heavy lifting.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Living with pain or recovering from surgery can feel worrying and frustrating. It's normal to feel anxious or low. Give yourself time, be kind to yourself, and talk to support people about your feelings. If worries become overwhelming, reach out to a professional for help.

Prevention

You can lower your chances of developing gallstones by keeping a healthy weight, eating a diet rich in fibre and lower in saturated fat, and avoiding rapid weight loss. However, some risk factors such as age and family history cannot be changed.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening test for gallbladder disease in healthy adults. If you have symptoms or a strong family history, ask your healthcare provider what checks may be useful.

Complications

If left untreated

• Inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis), which can become infected
• Blockage of the bile duct, causing jaundice and serious infection
• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
• Rarely, gallbladder cancer, especially if long-standing inflammation is present

Long-term outlook

For most people, gallbladder disease is highly treatable, and the outlook is very good. Even when surgery is needed, the gallbladder is not essential for digestion. With the right care and a few adjustments, most people return to a full and enjoyable life.

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