The Gallbladder
The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ connected to the liver, on the right side of the abdomen. It stores bile and releases it into the small intestine to help in the digestion of fat.
What Causes Gallstones?
There may be several reasons, including:
• Your Genes
• Your Weight
• Problems with your gallbladder
• Diet
Symptoms of Gallstones:
Symptoms of gallstones can appear suddenly or develop slowly over a period of years. Most of the time these symptoms appear after a meal that is high in fat.
Symptoms:
• Sudden and rapidly intensifying pain in the upper right portion of your abdomen
• Sudden and rapidly intensifying pain in the center of your abdomen, just below your breastbone
• Pain that spreads to your back or below your right shoulder blade
• Nausea or vomiting
• Abdominal cramping and bloating
• Loose, light-colored stools