Everything You Need to Know About Gallstones: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and More

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Gallstones are hard pebble deposits that contain cholesterol and bilirubin. These are of the size of small grain or golf ball stones generally present at the end of your gallbladder. If left untreated, gallstones become bigger with time. Compared to big stones, small ones are more problematic as they travel from one place to another. 

Further, these tiny stones get blocked in arteries, causing blockage. Every year, millions of people experience this issue. This guide will explain common symptoms, risk factors, treatment, preventive measures, and more about gallstones. We will also discuss top foods that you must avoid in such a condition. So, here we go.

An Introduction to Cholelithiasis

Gallstones, or cholelithiasis, are tiny bile deposits present in your gallbladder. These stones may sometimes cause blockage and swelling, causing severe health issues. If not treated timely, these can lead to complications like cancer and jaundice. Generally, gallstones are of two types. These include: 

  • Cholesterol stones 

  • Pigment stones

Cholesterol stones have a yellow or green tint. Whereas, some pigment stones made up of bilirubin are usually brown. In some cases, patients may have both of these stones at one time. 

Some significant causes of gallstones are:

1. Bile containing higher cholesterol levels 

Generally, your bile has many chemicals that easily dissolve all the cholesterol your liver excretes. Your liver starts to excrete an excess amount of high cholesterol; it may form hard rock-like crystals. With time, they turn into rocks. 

2. Bile containing higher bilirubin levels 

Your body starts producing a substance called bilirubin if RBCs are broken down. In some conditions, your liver begins to overproduce bilirubin. Liver cirrhosis and biliary tract infections are two prevalent diseases. Your gallbladder develops gallstones under such circumstances. 

3. Your gallbladder does not empty rightly 

Do you feel your gallbladder does not empty properly? In such a situation, bile becomes extremely concentrated, forming gallstones. 

  • A high temperature

  • Rapid heartbeat

  • Nausea and vomiting 

  • Bloating and gas 

  • A yellow tint on the skin 

  • Itchy skin

  • Chills

  • Diarrhea 

  • Confusion 

  • A loss of appetite

  • Intolerance to fatty food 


    Risk factors for gallstones

    Everyone, from small kids to adults, may get gallstones. Certain risk factors that increase your chances of gallstones. Some potential risk factors of gallstones are:

    • If you are a female. 

    • If you are 40 years old or above this age. 

    • Being a Native American

    • Being a Hispanic of Mexican origin

    • Obese or overweight. 

    • Being sedentary or pregnant. 

    • Eating a high-fat gallstones diet

    • Gallstones low-fat diet

    • family history of gallstones

    • Diabetes increases the chances by a greater percentage. 

    • Having blood disorders

    • Losing weight quickly 

    • Taking medications containing estrogen, like oral contraceptives or hormone therapy drugs, increases risk factors. 

    • Having liver disease

    How to Get Rid of Gallstones? 

    Gallstones remain undetected until the patient experiences pain. At times, you may pass the gallstones through urine without knowing. Thus, there is no gallstone treatment required. If you experience pain, doctors recommend surgery. In certain conditions, they suggest some medicines. Here are some gallstone treatments .

    1. Surgery 

    In serious cases, surgery is performed to remove gallstones from your gallbladder. There are two types of cholecystectomies performed. These include:


    Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

    A tiny lighted device is inserted within the incision to check for stones. The gallbladder is removed. Doctors give discharge to all patients on the day of the surgery. If there are complications, they again check the patient. 


    Open Cholecystectomy

    During this procedure, your doctor makes three to four incisions on the abdomen region. Once the doctor closes all incisions, the patient is brought to a recovery area. The patient stays back for two days.

    2. Medicines and other treatments 

    Surgery is not recommended to elderly people. In such a condition, the following treatments are considered to get rid of gallstones: 


    Oral dissolution therapy

    Such therapies include using medicines such as ursodiol and chenodiol to break down gallstones into smaller pieces. These medicines are enriched with bile acids, which break stones easily. Further, it helps in gallbladder pain relief.


    Gallbladder Percutaneous drainage

    It entails aspirating bile from the gallbladder using a sterile needle. Further, a tube is implanted to aid in further drainage. This treatment is great for people who cannot have other procedures. Remember, it is not the first line of defence.

    • Although there is no foolproof way to prevent gallstone formation, cholesterol plays a significant role. In case there is a family history of gallstones, your doctors may recommend restricting high-fat food consumption. Some other preventive tips to avoid gallstones are: 

    • Include fibre foods in your gallbladder stones diet

    • Avoid cake and cheese. 

    • Rely on whole grains like oats and brown rice 

    • Perform at least 2-3 times exercise in a week. 

    • Reduce your weight if you are obese. 

    • Eat at regular intervals. 

    Read More: Rice Diet Plan For Weight Loss And Overall Well-Being

    15 Foods to Avoid with Gallbladder Issues

    List of foods in gallstones diet that you must avoid if you have gallbladder issues: 

    • Chocolate

    • Whole milk

    • Ice cream

    • Processed cheese

    • Egg yolks

    • Fried or battered foods

    • Sausage and Salami

    • Gallstone diet includes Bacon 

    • Cinnamon rolls

    • Cakes and other pastries

    • Pies and cookies

    • Potato chips

    • Nut and granola bars

    • Red meats like steak or hamburgers

    • Sugar and tea

    Gallstones are common and do not have any life risk. If they start moving, they may cause extreme discomfort due to continuous pain and irritation in your lower abdomen region. Thus, doctors recommend removing them by performing surgery or through medicines. In this article, we discuss preventive tips and treatment options to consider if you have gallstones. 

    FAQs 

    1. Mention tests performed before the gallstone removal surgery 

    Firstly, a blood test is conducted to check the inflamed gallbladder. Further, imaging tests conducted are: 

    • Abdominal and Endoscopic ultrasound

    • Cholecystography

    • Magnetic resonance 

    • Endoscopic retrograde  


    2. List common food items to eat  if you have gallstones

    Some foods to eat with gallstones are fruits and vegetables. You may also eat peas, beans, and whole grains. It includes brown rice and whole wheat bread. Healthy fats such as fish and olive oil are a must in your diet. 


    3. What are common complications of gallstones? 

    Some common complications of gallstones:

    • Gallbladder inflammation

    • Common bile duct blockage

    • Pancreatic duct blockage

    • Gallbladder cancer. 


    4. When should you see a doctor? 

    You must make an appointment to visit a doctor in case your body shows signs of gallstones. If you experience abdominal pain or have a fever. If your skin starts to turn yellow, it is a major sign. Also, certain foods in your diet for gallstones.

    5. What is the gallstone treatment? 

    Your health expert may refer you to a gastroenterologist for treatment. They perform surgery to remove gallstones. If the situation is not too complex, your doctor may recommend medicines. 


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