Gallstones are a buildup of cholesterol and other substances in bile that can cause pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever. Risk factors include being female, overweight, or over 55. Surgery to remove the gallbladder is sometimes necessary. Diagnosis is done through ultrasounds and scans.
Gallstones are a buildup of cholesterol and other substances in bile that occasionally block a duct that connects the gallbladder and small intestine. A stone can be as small as a grain of sand or as large as a golf ball. Many cause no problems; only 1-2% of those with gallstones develop the disease.
Bile is produced by the liver and used to digest fats. When too much cholesterol builds up in the bile or a person’s gallbladder doesn’t empty properly, crystals can form. Symptoms of gallstones include pain in the stomach or just below the ribs. Often, the pain can make it difficult to breathe or feel comfortable. The pain sometimes occurs after a meal, can last for several hours and can even wake a person from sleep.
When a stone blocks the tube that drains the gallbladder, other symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, and fever, as well as pain. Some patients have to have surgery to remove the gallbladder. Occasionally, gallstones can cause another condition, pancreatitis, which blocks the flow of digestive enzymes produced by the pancreas. In this case, the symptoms are similar: severe pain, loss of appetite, fever, nausea and vomiting.
People at risk for gallstones include women, people over 55, people who are overweight or have a high body mass index, and people who lose weight rapidly. People of Native American or Hispanic descent, along with those who exercise little or periodically fast, are also at risk. Others at increased risk for gallstones have high triglycerides, bowel disease, or family members with a history of gallbladder problems.
Pregnant women and those taking estrogen or high-dose birth control pills may also be at risk of developing gallstones. Those with cirrhosis or sickle cell disease and people taking cholesterol-lowering medications may also be at an increased risk. Anyone experiencing severe abdominal pain should see a doctor. People who are over 60 or have heart problems, diabetes, or a compromised immune system should see a doctor right away.
Ultrasounds and scans are used to diagnose gallstones. Medications are not commonly used to treat them, but may be needed for patients who cannot bear surgery. When the gallbladder is removed, symptoms usually do not return.
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