Gallstones are the structures of hard deposits formed inside the gallbladder or in the ducts of gallbladder carrying bile salts. Gall bladder is small sac like organ present under the liver and has various functions.
Gallstones are the structures of hard deposits formed inside the gallbladder or in the ducts of gallbladder carrying bile salts. Gall bladder is small sac like organ present under the liver and has various functions. The main function of gall bladder is to store and produce bile salts which are responsible for the breakdown of fats and other biomolecules. Gallbladder is the part of digestive system which helps to break the food and help in easy and fast digestion. Gallstones are formed by solidifying these salts, minerals and bile which can block the ducts of gall bladder. This condition can be symptomatic or asymptomatic depending on various factors of the condition. These stones can be small or large and also can be single or multiple in number. This condition can affect the digestive process and can be dangerous if left untreated. There are various treatments for the condition and surgery is one the process to remove the affected gallbladder.
Common Causes of Gallstones
Gallstones are formed due to deposition of bile, cholesterol and other minerals in the gallbladders leading to solidify the condition. This leads to the formation of one or more stone like formations which obstruct the functioning of gall bladder. There are various risk factors which contribute to this condition and some are:
- Bile having too much of Cholesterol
- If bile contains too much of cholesterol secreted by liver then bile can dissolve. This condition can lead to the formation of gallstones.
- Excess Bilirubin in Bile
- Red blood cells breakdown leads to the formation of bilirubin. There are various infections condition which leads this condition and can impact the gall bladder by formation gall stones.
- Poor Gallbladder Emptying
- It is important for gallbladder to get empty on regular basis because storage of bile to long duration can solidify the substance and promote stone formation in gallbladder.
- Dietary Factors
- Diets high in fat and cholesterol but low in fiber increase the likelihood of gallstone development.
- Obesity and Overweight
- Too much of body weight is directly linked with high cholesterol levels in bile. This condition is also responsible for the formation of gallstones in the bladder.
- Losing weight Fast
- Conditions of losing weight rapidly will affect the bile chemistry which is responsible for the formation of gallstones in the bladder.
- Medical Conditions
- Diabetes, Crohn’s disease, and liver diseases are associated with higher gallstone risk.
- Medications
- There are various medications like drugs responsible for cholesterol lowering and hormone therapies can effectively increase the risk of gallstones.
- Family History of Gall stones
- Person with family history of gallstones are more susceptible for the formation of this condition comparing others.
- Persons Gender and Age
- Age and gender has the connection with gallstones. Women with age over 40 have greater chances of having gallstones comparing man because of hormonal factors.
Symptoms of Gallstones
Gallstones formation is slow process and can take years for the formation of gallstones. There are not any visible symptoms during the formation and symptoms usually occur when stones blocks bile flow. Here are some of the common symptoms of the gallstones and these include:
- Abdominal Pain
- Abdominal pain is one the common and first symptom of gallstones. Sudden and intense pain in abdomen is the sign of gallstones in the bladder.
- Back or Shoulder Pain
- Person having the pain in right shoulder with intense radiating pain in back and shoulder can be the cause of gallstones.
- Indigestion
- Heart burn, not able to digest fatty meal with bloating condition is the symptoms related to gallstones.
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Frequent symptoms during gallstone attacks.
- Jaundice
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes, indicating blockage in bile ducts.
- Dark Urine and Pale Stools
- Due to reduced bile flow into the intestines.
- Fever and Chills
- Patient with the condition of gallstones may feel fever and chills during the condition with other related symptoms.
Complications of Gallstones
There are various complications of gallstones, if they are left untreated for long time. Here are some of the complications of gallstones and these include:
- Cholecystitis (Gallbladder Inflammation).
- Choledocholithiasis (Bile Duct Stones).
- Pancreatitis (Inflammation of the Pancreas).
- Gallbladder Cancer (rare but possible).
Risk Factors related to Gall stones
- Females during pregnancy
- Females after the age of 40 are more prone to the condition
- Genetics of family
- Obesity
- Family history
- Losing too much of weight abruptly
- Taking too much of fat
- Having very little fiber in diet
- Other health conditions related to liver or digestion
- Sitting to long hours
Tests for Gall stones
USG Upper Abdomen (Book Now)
Ultrasound Upper Abdomen (Book Now)
NCCT Upper Abdomen (Book Now)
MRI Upper Abdomen (Book Now)
Gallbladder Biopsy (Book Now)
Conclusion
Gallstones are one of the common conditions that people are facing around the world. The condition is not fatal and can be corrected through medication or surgery. Gall bladder is used to store bile, which helps in digestion of fat and helps in easy digestion. There are various conditions and symptoms related to the condition. Gall bladder is small sac like organ present under the liver and has various functions. The main function of gall bladder is to store and produce bile salts which are responsible for the breakdown of fats and other biomolecules. Gallbladder is the part of digestive system which helps to break the food and help in easy and fast digestion. Gallstones are formed by solidifying these salts, minerals and bile which can block the ducts of gall bladder. This condition can be symptomatic or asymptomatic depending on various factors of the condition. These stones can be small or large and also can be single or multiple in number. This condition can affect the digestive process and can be dangerous if left untreated. There are various tests used to look for the condition and these include CT, USG, MRI etc.
