Gallbladder Attack Symptoms & IBS - Overlapping Symptoms & Misdiagnosis

gallbladder attack symptoms

My Story

I have spoken in great length about my experience with gallbladder attacks being simply diagnosed as Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Some of those videos can be found here, here, and here. It’s tricky to diagnose, because while I do have IBS, one of my root causes has been gallbladder sludge. When I ate garlic and onion I looked nine months pregnant, yet if I ate too much fat I would go (into what I know now to be) a gallbladder attack. Without the help of an amazing doctor at UCI, I would have likely had my gallbladder removed and not known that my liver was enlarged.

Gallbladder issues and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) are two distinct conditions that can have overlapping symptoms. However, they may or may not be directly correlated with each other. Let's discuss each condition separately and explore any potential connections.

Gallbladder Issues

Gallbladder Issues: The gallbladder is a small organ located beneath the liver, and its main function is to store and release bile, which aids in the digestion and absorption of fats. Gallbladder issues typically arise due to gallstones, which are solid deposits that form in the gallbladder. When gallstones block the bile ducts, it can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain (particularly after meals), nausea, vomiting, intense diarrhea, and sometimes jaundice.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): IBS is a common gastrointestinal disorder characterized by a group of symptoms, including abdominal pain or discomfort, bloating, gas, and changes in bowel habits (such as diarrhea, constipation, or both). The exact cause of IBS is unknown, but it is believed to involve various factors, including abnormal muscle contractions in the intestines, heightened sensitivity to pain, and changes in the gut microbiota.

There are a few reasons why IBS and gallbladder attack symptoms may overlap or be confused:

  1. Gallbladder removal and IBS-like symptoms: After gallbladder removal surgery (cholecystectomy), some individuals may experience ongoing gastrointestinal symptoms that resemble IBS. This condition is known as postcholecystectomy syndrome and is thought to occur due to changes in bile flow and digestion. However, it is not IBS itself but rather a separate condition related to the gallbladder surgery.

  2. Shared risk factors: Some risk factors, such as certain dietary habits and genetic predispositions, may contribute to both gallbladder issues and IBS. For example, obesity, rapid weight loss, a high-fat diet, and a sedentary lifestyle can increase the risk of both conditions. Additionally, there may be a shared genetic susceptibility that makes individuals prone to developing gallbladder problems and IBS.

  3. Misdiagnosis: Since the symptoms of gallbladder issues and IBS can overlap, there is a possibility of misdiagnosis. Sometimes, gallbladder problems can be mistaken for IBS, or vice versa. Proper evaluation, including medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests, is crucial to differentiate between the two conditions.

Summary

In summary, gallbladder issues and IBS can share some common risk factors and symptoms. If you suspect you have either condition, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate management. I feel immensely blessed to have found a doctor who knew this was a common misdiagnosis and would order additional testing. Upon reviewing the abdominal ultrasound, he discovered my liver was 19 cm (grossly enlarged). This information led me to changing my diet and lifestyle. If you feel you may have any of these conditions based on your current symptoms, consulting with a doctor would be the next step. Have you struggled with any of these symptoms? I’d love to hear if you had a similar experience!

Xo,

Julia


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Interview with Dahlia Marin, Certified Gastrointestinal Nutritionist (CGN)

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11 Things that Dramatically Improved my IBS Symptoms