Gallstones

Gallbladder stones, or gallstones, are solid particles that form in the gallbladder, a small organ that stores bile. They can vary in size, from tiny grains to larger stones that can block the bile ducts.

Types of Gallstones

  1. Cholesterol Stones: The most common type, usually yellow-green in color, formed mainly from hardened cholesterol.
  2. Pigment Stones: Smaller, darker stones made up of bilirubin, often associated with liver diseases or certain blood disorders.

Causes

Gallstones can develop when:

  • There's too much cholesterol in the bile.
  • The gallbladder doesn't empty effectively.
  • There's excess bilirubin due to certain medical conditions.

Risk Factors

  • Obesity
  • Rapid weight loss
  • High-fat or high-cholesterol diet
  • Age (more common in people over 40)
  • Gender (more common in women)
  • Family history

Symptoms

Some people with gallstones experience no symptoms, but when symptoms occur, they may include:

  • Sudden pain in the upper right abdomen or center of the abdomen
  • Pain between the shoulder blades or in the right shoulder
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Indigestion or bloating after meals

Diagnosis

Gallstones are often diagnosed using:

  • Ultrasound
  • CT scan
  • MRI
  • Blood tests to check for infection or jaundice

Treatment

Treatment depends on symptoms:

  • Asymptomatic: Often requires no treatment.
  • Symptomatic: May include dietary changes, medication, or surgical options such as cholecystectomy (removal of the gallbladder).

Prevention

To reduce the risk of gallstones:

  • Maintain a healthy weight.
  • Eat a balanced diet rich in fiber and healthy fats.
  • Stay physically active.