What is sludge in gallbladder

Gallbladder

Digestive system is one of the important systems in the body. It is comprised of several organs and the gallbladder is a part of this system. It has the shape of a pear and is placed below the liver in the right side of the abdomen. Gallbladder has an important function in digestion since it stores the bile. The body uses this bile storage for digestion of fat in the small intestine. Certain disorders or diseases can affect this organ, as any other organ in the body. For instance, many people have the problem with gallstones. Aside from the gallstones, sludge is also a problem that is related to the gallbladder.

Sludge in gallbladder and the most frequent causes

Gallbladder sludge is also well known as biliary sludge. Sometimes it occurs that the gallbladder is not able to pass the bile to the small intestine. Because of that, cholesterol, which is the ingredient of the bile, starts to crystallize and the sludge forms. This sludge is made of calcium salts, bile particles and cholesterol crystals. If a small sludge remains in the gallbladder, it will grow and over time, it will transform into the gallbladder stones.

The gallbladder sludge may occur due to various reasons. Fasting and weight loss, as well as high cholesterol levels and pregnancy, contribute to the appearance of sludge in the gallbladder. Furthermore, it is also regarded that the use of alcohol, drugs and certain medicines may be potential causes for this condition.

Symptoms of sludge in gallbladder

Sludge in the gallbladder may not display any symptoms, however, there are cases when the symptoms do appear. Severe pain in the upper part of the abdomen, on the right side, is the most common symptoms of this condition. In addition to the pain, nausea, vomiting and bloating, as well as indigestion, may occur. Diarrhea, fever, chills are also some of the symptoms of this gallbladder disorder. The gallbladder sludge may also lead to the inflammation of the gallbladder and pancreas.

Prevention of gallbladder sludge

The people who are prone to the gallbladder problems should eat fewer calories per day. Furthermore, it is important to eat breakfast every morning in order to prevent the storage of the old bile in the gallbladder. The medication that is very effective in breaking down the accumulated cholesterol in the gallbladder is called Ursodiol.