Causes of Gallbladder Disease
Gallbladder inflammation (cholecytitis) caused by gallstones (cholelithiasis) is the leading cause of a gallbladder attack. While many patients with gallbladder disease show no symptoms, a blockage can cause inflammation and pain. Gallstones develop from hardened particles of bile in the gallbladder. These particles can be as small in size as grains of sand or as large as golf balls. Stones blocking bile from moving into the bile initiate the gallbladder attack.

Anyone experiencing a gallbladder attack should get medical help immediately to prevent related conditions from developing. Women are more at risk for gallstones than men, and their risk increases with hormone replacement therapy, rapid weight loss and then weight gain, being overweight, and with each child they have. It’s not all bad news for women thought. The heightened risk of developing gallstones can be offset by breastfeeding.

One of the most common gallbladder disease treatments, gallbladder surgery, removes the organ, usually eliminating gallbladder pain and blockage. At Florida Hospital, gallbladder surgery can be performed if diagnostic tests determine surgery is the best treatment.