The gallbladder is an organ that stores bile fluid secreted by the liver and secretes it during digestion. Gallbladder diseases refer to various conditions that affect the functions and health of the gallbladder. These diseases include gallstones, gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis), gallbladder cancer, and gallbladder polyps.

Gallstones are the most common gallbladder disease, which form as hard masses within the gallbladder. These stones can cause a blockage in the gallbladder duct, leading to severe abdominal pain, bloating and indigestion. Cholecystitis is an infection or inflammation of the gallbladder and can cause damage to the gallbladder wall. Gallbladder cancer is a rare type of cancer and early detection is important. Gallbladder polyps are small growths in the gallbladder and rarely can develop into cancer.

Symptoms of gallbladder disease can include abdominal pain, indigestion, bloating, nausea, vomiting, jaundice, and fever. In some cases, gallbladder diseases do not cause any symptoms and are only diagnosed incidentally.

Diagnosis of gallbladder diseases is made using a physical exam, blood tests, ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) scans, and other imaging tests. Treatment may vary depending on the type and severity of the disease, and methods such as gallbladder surgery, medication, or dietary changes may be used.