3 March 2016

Understanding Gallstones and Gallbladder Disease

Over 20 million Americans have gallbladder disease and about one million new cases of gallbladder disease are diagnosed annually. The symptoms of gallbladder disease can mimic those of other conditions, including heart attack, making an accurate diagnosis extremely important. If you have been diagnosed with gallbladder disease or gallstones, or if you are wondering whether you may have them, here's what you should know.
What Are Gallstones?Gallbladder disease is typically characterized by the presence of gallstones, which form bile stored in the gallbladder hardens. Bile is a liquid that helps the body digest fats. When gallstones form, they can block the normal flow of bile from the liver to the small intestine. Undiagnosed gallstones can cause serious problems if they become trapped in the bile duct.

http://womenshealth.about.com/cs/gallbladder/a/gallbladder101.htm