Gallstones: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

IntroductionGallstones are hardened deposits of digestive fluid in the gallbladder, a small organ beneath the liver. They can vary in size—from as s

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Gallstones: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Introduction

Gallstones are hardened deposits of digestive fluid in the gallbladder, a small organ beneath the liver. They can vary in size—from as small as a grain of sand to as large as a golf ball. Gallstones are a common digestive disorder, affecting about 10-15% of adults, particularly women and older individuals. Understanding their causes, symptoms, and treatment options is essential for managing this condition effectively.

Types of Gallstones

There are two main types of gallstones:

Cholesterol Stones (Most Common – 80%)

Form due to excess cholesterol in bile.

Typically yellow-green.

Pigment Stones (Less Common – 20%)

Made of bilirubin (a waste product from broken-down red blood cells).

Smaller, darker, and more common in people with liver disease or blood disorders.

Causes and Risk Factors

Gallstones develop when bile contains too much cholesterol, too much bilirubin, or if the gallbladder doesn’t empty properly. Key risk factors include:

Gender & Age: Women (especially pregnant or on hormone therapy) and people over 40 are at higher risk.

Obesity: Increases cholesterol in bile.

Rapid Weight Loss: Causes the liver to release extra cholesterol.

Diet: High-fat, high-cholesterol, or low-fiber diets contribute.

Diabetes & Liver Disease: Increase bilirubin levels.

Family History: Genetic predisposition plays a role.

Symptoms of Gallstones

Many people with gallstones (silent stones) experience no symptoms. However, if a stone blocks a bile duct, it can cause:

Biliary Colic: Sudden, intense pain in the upper right abdomen (lasts minutes to hours).

Nausea & Vomiting

Jaundice (yellowing of skin/eyes if bile ducts are blocked).

Fever & Chills (signs of infection like cholecystitis).

Clay-colored stools & Dark urine (due to bile flow obstruction).

So gall bladder stone surgery in Coimbatore is recommended if left untreated.

Complications

If untreated, gallstones can lead to:

Cholecystitis (inflamed gallbladder).

Pancreatitis (blockage in the pancreatic duct).

Cholangitis (bile duct infection).

Gallbladder Cancer (rare but possible with long-term stones).

Diagnosis

Doctors use the following tests:

Ultrasound (most common).

CT or MRI scans (for detailed imaging).

Blood tests (check for infection, jaundice, or pancreatitis).

HIDA scan (evaluates gallbladder function).

Treatment Options

1. Watchful Waiting (For Asymptomatic Stones)

No treatment is needed unless symptoms develop. If you are experiencing any symptoms contact us for gallstone treatment in Coimbatore.

2. Medications

Ursodeoxycholic acid (dissolves small cholesterol stones slowly).

Pain relievers (for discomfort).

3. Surgery (Most Effective Treatment)

Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy (minimally invasive gallbladder removal).

ERCP (removes stones from bile ducts without gallbladder removal).

4. Lifestyle Changes

Healthy diet (low-fat, high-fiber foods).

Weight management (avoid rapid weight loss).

Regular exercise.

Prevention Tips

Maintain a healthy weight.

Eat balanced meals with fiber (fruits, vegetables, whole grains).

Avoid excessive fatty or fried foods.

Stay hydrated.

Conclusion

Gallstones are a common but manageable condition. While some people remain symptom-free, others may require medical intervention. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent severe complications. If you experience persistent abdominal pain, nausea, or jaundice, consult a gallstones specialist in Coimbatore promptly. A combination of medical care and lifestyle adjustments can help maintain gallbladder health.


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