Overview
Gallstones are hardened deposits of digestive fluid that can form in your gallbladder, a small, pear-shaped organ located beneath your liver on the right side of your abdomen. The gallbladder stores bile, a digestive fluid produced by the liver and released into the small intestine to aid in the digestion of fats.
Types of Gallstones
- Cholesterol Gallstones: These are the most common type, formed when there is an excess of cholesterol in the bile.
- Pigment Gallstones: These stones are smaller and darker and are formed when there's excess bilirubin in the bile.
Causes of Gallstones
- Cholesterol Imbalance: Excess cholesterol in bile can lead to the formation of cholesterol gallstones.
- Bilirubin Imbalance: Elevated levels of bilirubin can cause pigment gallstones.
- Impaired Gallbladder Function: Reduced gallbladder motility can contribute to stone formation.
- Genetic Predisposition: Family history of gallstones can increase susceptibility.
- Obesity: Higher body weight and obesity are associated with increased risk.
- Rapid Weight Loss: Quick weight loss can lead to cholesterol imbalance in bile.
- Certain Medical Conditions: Conditions like cirrhosis and Crohn's disease can increase risk.
- Certain Medications: Use of medications like hormone replacement therapy can be a risk factor.
Risk Factors of Gallstones
- Gender: Women are more prone to gallstones than men.
- Age: Risk increases with age, especially after 40.
- Diet: High-fat, low-fiber diets increase risk.
- Ethnicity: Certain ethnic groups have higher prevalence.
- Pregnancy: Pregnancy increases the risk due to hormonal changes.
- Diabetes: Diabetes is associated with increased gallstone risk.
- Fasting: Prolonged fasting or total parenteral nutrition can increase risk.
Symptoms of Gallstones
1. Abdominal Pain: Typically in the upper right abdomen or between the shoulder blades.
2. Nausea and vomiting: Especially after meals high in fats.
3. Indigestion: Feeling bloated or full after meals.
4. Fever: Signs of inflammation or infection.
5. Yellowing of Skin and Eyes (Jaundice): If a stone blocks the bile duct.
Preventions of Gallstones
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Aim for gradual weight loss if needed.
- Eat a Balanced Diet: High in fiber and low in saturated fats.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water.
- Be Cautious with Rapid Weight Loss: Avoid crash diets.
- Exercise Regularly: Physical activity can reduce gallstone risk.
Diagnosis of Gallstones
- Ultrasound: Most common method to detect gallstones.
- Blood Tests: Measure bilirubin levels and liver function.
- CT Scan or MRI: To visualize the bile ducts and pancreas if complications are suspected.
- Cholecystography: Special imaging after ingestion of contrast material.
Treatment for Gallstones
- Watchful Waiting: If asymptomatic, monitoring may be recommended.
- Medications: Ursodeoxycholic acid to dissolve cholesterol stones.
- Surgery: Cholecystectomy (removal of gallbladder) for symptomatic or large stones.
- Endoscopic Procedures: Removal of stones from bile ducts (ERCP).
- Lifestyle Changes: Diet modifications and weight management.
When to seek medical attention ?
- Persistent pain in the upper right abdomen.
- Fever with chills.
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes.
- Persistent nausea or vomiting.
