What Is a Collapsed Gallbladder?
Last Updated Mar 25, 2020 7:55:04 AM ET
A collapsed gallbladder refers to an instance when the gallbladder spasms and remains in a prolonged deflated state. This is commonly caused by the presence of gallstones or as a result of cholecystitis. On rare occasions, it is due to a ruptured gallbladder, a life-threatening condition.
Under normal circumstances, the gallbladder expands as it fills with bile from the liver. When bile is needed for digestion, the gallbladder contracts, squeezing the bile into the small intestine. At this stage, it appears deflated. If the gallbladder is unable to expand to receive fresh bile, it is then said to be collapsed. Symptoms can include pain in the upper-right quadrant of the abdomen, fever and diarrhea.
More From Reference
Will 5G Impact Our Cell Phone Plans (or Our Health?!)
The Secret Science of Solving Crossword Puzzles
Racist Phrases to Remove From Your Mental Lexicon
Is the Coronavirus Crisis Increasing America's Drug Overdoses?
Fact Check: What Power Does the President Really Have Over State Governors?
Festival of Sacrifice: The Past and Present of the Islamic Holiday of Eid al-Adha