This is also often accompanied by waves of nausea and vomiting. Such symptoms often follow fatty meals. Danger signs of a life-threatening gallbladder attack can include severe, unremitting pain, sweating, chills, fever, jaundice, or whitish stools. These can indicate blockage of a bile duct or gallblabber with development of possible infection, and require emergency attention. Of course, with any question regarding your health, you should consult your doctor or other health care professional right away.
Many tests are available to help with the diagnosis of gallbladder and gallstone disease.
In a cholecystogram or cholescintigraphy , t he patient is injected with a special iodine dye, and x-rays are taken of the gallbladder over a period of time. The test shows the movement of the gallbladder and any obstruction of the cystic duct. The doctor guides the endoscope through the stomach and into the small intestine. The doctor then injects a special dye that temporarily stains the ducts in the biliary system. ERCP is used to locate stones in the gallbladder and bile ducts, and in many cases can be used to remove small to moderate sized stones from the bile duct system.