Gallstones are small, stone-like structures that originate in the gallbladder. They can range in size, from as small as a grain to as large as a golf ball. Sometimes, these small stones can pass through a duct and get stuck, which can be both good and bad. When they’re in the gallbladder, they usually don’t cause pain, so you don’t need to worry or get treatment unless they complicate things. Gallstones are mainly made of cholesterol and pigment stones from bilirubin.
There are certain things that can lead to gallstones:
– High levels of bilirubin or cholesterol in the bile.
– When your gallbladder doesn’t empty itself fully.
– Conditions like liver cirrhosis and blood disorders.
– Pregnancy.
– Sudden weight loss.
Gallstones don’t always show symptoms, so they can go unnoticed – these are known as silent gallstones. But when they do have symptoms, they might include:
– Abdominal pain in the middle or on the right side.
– Sharp pain in the right shoulder.
– Chest pain.
– Nausea and vomiting.
– Jaundice.
– Similar episodes of pain.
Diagnosing gallstones usually involves either an abdominal ultrasound or an endoscopic ultrasound. With an abdominal ultrasound, a device is moved back and forth across your stomach to create images of your internal structures. An endoscopic ultrasound involves passing a thin tube through your mouth and into your gastrointestinal tract, again to provide detailed ultrasound images.
After diagnosis, there are two main treatments for gallstones:
1. Gallbladder Removal: This operation, also known as a cholecystectomy, is often recommended because gallstones can often come back. Once the gallbladder is removed, bile from the liver flows directly into the small intestine. This won’t affect your ability to digest food, but it might cause short-term diarrhea.
2. Medication: Some medications can help dissolve gallstones, but they might come back if treatment is stopped. It’s also important to note that medication can take a long time—a few months to even years—to work.
Preventing gallstones is also a simple process:
– Don’t skip meals and try to stick to regular eating times each day.
– If you’re trying to lose weight, do it slowly.
– Include more high-fiber foods in your diet—like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
– Maintain a healthy weight. Overweight and obesity increase the risk of gallstones.
Always consult with a specialist for advice and any potential treatments.
