A gallbladder attack causes pain, nausea, and dizziness similar to a heart attack. It may be caused by gallstones and can last up to several hours. Avoiding certain foods and taking prescription medications can help, but surgery may be necessary in severe cases.
A gallbladder attack is defined as an episode in which an improperly functioning gallbladder creates a great deal of pain, nausea, and dizziness. In many cases, a gallbladder attack will show symptoms very similar to those of a heart attack. Because of this similarity, it’s very important to see a doctor right away so a health professional can determine whether the pain and discomfort is the result of a problem with the heart or points towards some type of gallbladder problem.
A gallbladder attack may be associated with the presence of gallstones. A gallstone can be made up of things like excess cholesterol, calcium, or other bile elements that pass through the gallbladder. Stones are not unlike kidney stones in that they are usually small, sharp, and can cause great discomfort if left untreated.
There are a number of symptoms associated with gallbladder problems. The attacks can be relatively mild or extremely painful. An attack often occurs after eating a meal and can cause a lot of pain in the abdomen. There may be pain or a sense of tenderness just below the rib cage, a pronounced sense of fullness accompanied by indigestion, and also a great deal of burping that doesn’t seem to offer any relief.
In severe situations, a gallbladder attack can also involve regurgitation to the point of gagging, a general feeling of pain that moves up the right side of the body and up to the shoulder blades, and even trouble breathing. Depending on the circumstances, the attack may last no longer than fifteen minutes, although it is possible for an attack to last up to several hours if left untreated.
There are a few ways to minimize the potential for an attack when the individual has a history of gallbladder problems. Eliminating foods that are high in acid, such as orange juice, from your diet often helps relieve abdominal pain and other symptoms associated with gallbladder disease. Choosing to eat less bread has been helpful for some people, but limiting meal portions can also make a difference. Avoiding dairy products is sometimes helpful when trying to prevent an attack.
Fortunately, there are ways to effectively treat a gallbladder attack. Prescription medications can help relieve pain quickly and minimize symptoms. Alternative medicine practitioners often point to the use of herbs such as alfalfa to relieve pain and discomfort. In situations where attacks are severe, it may be necessary to surgically remove any gallstones and possibly the gallbladder itself. Gallbladder removal is normally only an option when other methods are no longer effective.
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