Gallbladder Sludge Symptoms, Causes & More
Article Sources
- 1. Villines, Zawn. 'Gallbladder Sludge: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments.' Medical and Health Information, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320057#when-to-see-a-doctor
- 2. Jain, Rajeev. 'Biliary Sludge: When Should It Not be Ignored?.' Current treatment options in gastroenterology vol. 7,2 (2004): 105-109. doi:10.1007/s11938-004-0031-3
- 3. Lindenmeyer, Christina. 'Gallstones - Liver and Gallbladder Disorders - Merck Manuals Consumer Version.' Merck Manuals Consumer Version, www.merckmanuals.com/home/liver-and-gallbladder-disorders/gallbladder-and-bile-duct-disorders/gallstones
- 4. 'Harvard Health Publishing. 'What to Do About Gallstones.' Harvard Health, 17 June 2020, www.health.harvard.edu/womens-health/what-to-do-about-gallstones
- 5. Weiss, Robin E. 'How Gallstones Are Treated During Pregnancy.' Verywell Family, www.verywellfamily.com/gall-stones-in-pregnancy-2758579#
- 6. Gotter, Ana. 'Gallbladder Sludge: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment.' Healthline, [www.healthline.com/health/gallbladder-sludge#complications.](http://www.healthline.com/health/gallbladder-sludge#complications.)
- 7. 'Koch, Angelika M. 'What is Gallbladder Sludge? Symptoms & Diet Treatment.' Holistic Medicine & Integrative Medicine Wellness Plans, www.nourishdoc.com/TreatmentPlans/Gallbladder-Sludge-Diet-Foods-gallstones-liver-pancreas-and-gallbladder
The gallbladder works as a storage system for the bile produced by the liver. Bile is needed to aid digestion as it breaks down fatty foods. It's possible for the gallbladder to store sediment too. When this happens, it's referred to as gallbladder sludge.
Other names include biliary sludge, pseudolithiasis, microcrystalline disease, microlithiasis or biliary sand. While not considered serious on its own, gallbladder sludge can lead to gallstones. Gallbladder sludge can be managed with medical intervention and may be preventable through certain lifestyle changes. Severe and recurrent cases may require surgery.
Is Gallbladder Sludge Dangerous?
Gallbladder sludge can be undetected for many years. Even when it's detected, it may not have any effect on the person's quality of life. Mostly, people can simply carry on with their lives. If caused by pregnancy, it's possible for the condition to just go away once the pregnancy is over.
Gallbladder sludge may need further attention when it causes gallstones. It may also indicate other serious conditions that require medical intervention, such as pancreas infections and pancreatic cancer. It's important to seek medical attention for a proper diagnosis.1Villines, Zawn. ‘Gallbladder Sludge: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments.’ Medical and Health Information, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320057#when-to-see-a-doctor
Conditions Associated With Gallbladder Sludge
Some of the most common conditions associated with gallbladder sludge are cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder), pancreatitis, gallstones and cholangitis (inflammation of the bile duct system). While these may go undetected in those who are asymptomatic, biliary-type pain might be present.
Pancreatic cancer and pancreatitis -which is the inflammation of the pancreas - are two of the more serious conditions associated with gallbladder sludge. Medical intervention is required for these conditions.
Asymptomatic and Symptomatic Responses
It is possible to have gallbladder sludge without showing any symptoms. When this is the case, the condition can be easily managed.
When symptoms such as pain are present, medical intervention might be needed. Pancreatitis may need to be managed with medical therapy. As a preventative measure, an endoscopic sphincterotomy may be recommended. Surgical methods can remove the sludge buildup, depending on whether the person can tolerate the operation.2Jain, Rajeev. ‘Biliary Sludge: When Should It Not be Ignored?.’ Current treatment options in gastroenterology vol. 7,2 (2004): 105-109. doi:10.1007/s11938-004-0031-3
Common Symptoms
Although many people may not show symptoms of gallbladder sludge, it's worth investigating common symptoms when they occur. These include stomach cramps, nausea and vomiting, and pain in the shoulder and chest.
One of the less common symptoms includes fatty stools or stools that are darker than usual. This is because there isn't enough bile to break down the fat in the liver. These symptoms don't conclusively mean that the person has gallbladder sludge, however.
Possible Causes
Diet may play an important role in the development of gallbladder sludge. Diets that are too restrictive or that cause rapid weight loss can contribute to the condition.
Alcohol abuse, organ transplants, stomach surgeries, serious illness and intravenous feeding are possible causes of gallbladder sludge.1Villines, Zawn. ‘Gallbladder Sludge: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments.’ Medical and Health Information, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320057#when-to-see-a-doctor When gallstones block the bile ducts, the blockage can cause bile to remain in the gallbladder for too long, developing into sludge and sometimes into gallstones.3Lindenmeyer, Christina. ‘Gallstones - Liver and Gallbladder Disorders - Merck Manuals Consumer Version.’ Merck Manuals Consumer Version, www.merckmanuals.com/home/liver-and-gallbladder-disorders/gallbladder-and-bile-duct-disorders/gallstones
Gallbladder Sludge Management
A diet low in fat may help the gallbladder function properly. A diet that promotes bile production may help manage gallbladder sludge. A combination of medication and sound wave therapy called lithotripsy might be used when gallstones form.
If gallbladder issues continue, a cholecystectomy may be performed to remove the gallbladder. A gallbladder is not essential for bodily function. Without it, bile simply flows directly into the small intestine.4‘Harvard Health Publishing. ‘What to Do About Gallstones.’ Harvard Health, 17 June 2020, www.health.harvard.edu/womens-health/what-to-do-about-gallstones
Pregnancy
Higher cholesterol levels are known to affect bile production. The higher levels of estrogen produced during pregnancy can lead to increased cholesterol levels, which can result in gallbladder sludge. Gallstones may also form because of an increase in cholesterol levels.
Once the pregnancy is over, the bile and gallbladder functions typically return to normal. However, the hormonal changes and rapid weight loss experienced after pregnancy may also lead to gallbladder sludge and gallstones.5Weiss, Robin E. ‘How Gallstones Are Treated During Pregnancy.’ Verywell Family, www.verywellfamily.com/gall-stones-in-pregnancy-2758579#
Gallstones and Gallbladder Sludge
Gallbladder sludge typically precedes gallstones. When enough deposits of sludge are present in the gallbladder, these can lead to gallstones. Symptoms of gallstones include stomach pains that can range from mild to severe.
Depending on the size and severity of the gallstones, they may have to be removed surgically. It's important to seek medical advice when gallstones are suspected, as they may indicate more serious problems, such as a blocked bile duct or an inflamed gallbladder.6Gotter, Ana. ‘Gallbladder Sludge: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment.’ Healthline, www.healthline.com/health/gallbladder-sludge#complications.
When to See a Doctor
Gallbladder sludge accompanied by symptoms, such as stomach pains and discomfort, should be investigated. While gallbladder sludge is not commonly dangerous, pain can indicate a serious condition such as pancreatic cancer or an infection.
Gallbladder attacks can be painful and debilitating. They may last for a few minutes or even a few hours. It's important not to ignore these attacks, as a proper diagnosis could lead to a management plan that reduces pain and discomfort and potentially reverses the condition.
Ways to Possibly Prevent Gallbladder Sludge
Diet plays an important role in the prevention and management of gallbladder sludge. A diet low in carbohydrates and alcohol may assist in the prevention of buildup in the gallbladder but it's not a guarantee. However, diet is no replacement for medical intervention if needed. Symptoms of gallbladder sludge need to be reported to a medical professional.7‘Koch, Angelika M. ‘What is Gallbladder Sludge? Symptoms & Diet Treatment.’ Holistic Medicine & Integrative Medicine Wellness Plans, www.nourishdoc.com/TreatmentPlans/Gallbladder-Sludge-Diet-Foods-gallstones-liver-pancreas-and-gallbladder
Weight loss should also be monitored closely, as rapid weight loss may increase sediment in the gallbladder.
