Gallbladder Sludge

The liver produces bile or gall to aids the digestion process in the small intestine, which is collected and stored in the Gallbladder. As long as the Gallbladder is working, you probably wouldn’t give it any attention. But did you know that your Gallbladder can develop something called gallbladder sludge?

Gallbladder Sludge

If the gallbladder doesn’t empty and stays for too long in the Gallbladder, it builds up cholesterol, calcium, bilirubin, and other compounds there, which is called Gallbladder Sludge or Biliary Sludge.

Symptoms of Gallbladder Sludge

Some people who have gallbladder sludge will not show any symptoms and never know that they have it. But others might experience it. The primary symptom is often abdominal pain, especially on your upper right side under the ribs. This pain may increase shortly after a meal.

Other symptoms can include:

• chest pain
• right shoulder pain
• nausea and vomiting
• clay-like stools

Types of Gallbladder Sludge:

Not all Gallbladder Sludge is very harmful. Some Gallbladder Sludge doesn't even develop symptoms. For example, the sludge developed during pregnancy goes away on its own.

But there are some types of which do not generally cure on their own, we need to take different tech measures. If the Sludge is due to the following conditions:

• Gallstones: For some people, the Gallbladder Sludge ends up producing Gallstones. Gallstones are made out of solid substances such as cholesterol.
• Acute pancreatitis: Acute pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas that may be mild or life-threatening. Gallstones and alcohol abuse are the main causes of acute pancreatitis. Patients with Acute Pancreatitis experiences severe abdominal pain.
• Cholecystitis: This is swelling and inflammation of the gallbladder. Usually occurs when drainage from the gallbladder is blocked, which causes pain, vomiting, and bloating.
• Blocked biliary ducts: The biliary ducts allow the gallbladder to drain. Sometimes gallbladder sludge accumulates in or near the ducts, blocking the ducts and causing gallbladder pain. This can cause infections, gallstones, and other gallbladder issues.