Gallstones, or gallbladder stones, are hard deposits of material that form in the gallbladder, a small organ located next to the liver. These can be large and dissimilar in chemical composition and thus cause a diversity of possible signs and complications. According to some studies, about 20-25 million Americans suffer from gallstones, with women suffering 2-3 times more than men. The most susceptible women are those above 40 years old because their hormones alter cholesterol metabolism. It is relevant to know gallstones symptoms, causes, and treatment options to ensure proper management and treatment.
Understanding Gallstones
Gallstones mainly fall into two categories, cholesterol stones and pigment stones. The following is a detailed explanation of both of them:
Cholesterol Stones
Cholesterol stones are the most common type of gallstones, making up about 75-80% of the gallstones in the Western world. These develop primarily due to an imbalance in the composition of bile which may include decreased bile salts, along with increased bilirubin and overproduction of cholesterol, in the bile, which can crystallise and grow into stones. Cholesterol stones range in colour from yellow to green and can vary in size from a grain of sand to that of a golf ball.
Pigment Stones
Pigment stones are small, dark, and consist of bilirubin. It is usually associated with people suffering from particular medical conditions, like liver disease or blood disorders, such as sickle cell anaemia.
What Causes Gallstones?
Gallstones result when the bile components collected in the gallbladder become hard like stones. This occurs due to the imbalance of the components of the bile, which consist of cholesterol, bile salts, and bilirubin. What causes gallstones can be as follows:
- High Cholesterol Levels: More cholesterol in the bile can precipitate or condense to form stones.
- Overproduction of Bilirubin: Conditions that lead to excess bilirubin production, such as liver cirrhosis or certain blood disorders, can result in pigment stones.
- Gallbladder Disease: A dysfunctional gallbladder may cause poor emptying and concentration of bile, which can cause stones.
Gallstone Symptoms
The majority of people have no gallstones symptoms, but when they occur, they are typically quite severe. Its symptoms include:
- Acute Abdominal Pain: The gallbladder pain occurs in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen or can be centrally located, radiating to the back or the right shoulder blade.
- Nausea and Vomiting: Commonly accompanied by abdominal pain, these symptoms are often triggered by eating fatty or heavy meals.
- Swelling and Gas: Bloating and a feeling of fullness or distension in the abdomen can also indicate gallbladder issues.
- Heartburn or Indigestion: People may experience a burning sensation in the chest or discomfort after eating.
Apart from these factors, provided below are some of the gallstones symptoms for females that are usually observed:
- Hormonal Sensitivity: Symptoms may intensify during menstruation due to hormonal fluctuations that can impact the gallbladder.
- Increased Severity of Biliary Colic: Women may experience sudden, sharp attacks (biliary colic) that are more frequent and severe due to hormonal influence on gallbladder function.
Diagnosis
In most cases, imaging tests are used to diagnose gallstones. One commonly used method is an abdominal ultrasound, which is non-invasive and does not use radiation. Another diagnostic method might be a CT scan or an MRI, which are often used to detect associated complications as they provide detailed images of the bile ducts.
Gallstones Treatment Options
Gall stone treatment varies according to the severity of its symptoms; given below are some of the options that your doctor may recommend:
- Watchful Waiting: If the patient has asymptomatic gallstones, mere monitoring is required, and no intervention is required.
- Medications: While this benefits some, dissolving cholesterol stones may take months or years.
- Non-Surgical Treatments: For those wondering if gallstones treatment without surgery is possible, the different options for gallbladder stones treatment without operation are discussed below:
- Oral Dissolution Therapy: This refers to a type of drug made from bile acids aimed at dissolving cholesterol gallstones.
- Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL): This non-surgical treatment uses shock waves to break the stones into pieces, which can pass through the bile ducts without creating a blockage.
- Endoscopic Gallbladder Stenting: This procedure involves placing a small stent in the bile duct to relieve blockages and improve bile flow from the gallbladder.
Surgery
When gallstone symptoms become severe or lead to complications, surgery may be recommended to remove the gallbladder and prevent further issues. The following are the two types of surgery possible:
- Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: This is a minimally invasive surgery in which the gallbladder is removed through small incisions.
- Open Cholecystectomy: If complications develop or any form of laparoscopic surgery is impossible, open surgery is performed.
Post-Treatment Conditions
After gallbladder stone removal, the gastrointestinal system may be affected. Without the gallbladder, bile flows directly from the liver to the small intestine. This can cause diarrhoea or changes in bowel habits in some patients.
Gallstones Self-Care
Good self-care habits may help one control symptoms and be resistant to gallstone formation. The following habits must be inculcated into daily life:
- Maintain a healthy weight through diet and exercise
- Avoid intake of saturated fats and cholesterol
- Dietary fibres should be supplemented with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
NOTE: Aforementioned treatment options are only meant for the readers to gain knowledge and insights. Do not handpick gallstones self care if the condition is severe, make sure you consult with the doctor for comprehensive treatment.
Complications
If there are no treatment measures for gallstones, then serious complications can develop, such as:
- Cholecystitis: The gallbladder becomes inflamed due to obstruction of the bile duct.
- Pancreatitis: This is the inflammation of the pancreas resulting from the blockage of the bile duct.
- Jaundice: This is yellowing of the skin and eyes caused by obstruction of bile ducts.
Conclusion
Gallstones are a common health problem that can cause significant discomfort and may become life-threatening if untreated. To manage this condition, it’s important to recognise the gallstones symptoms, understand how it develops, and explore treatment options such as. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and visiting a doctor regularly can help prevent painful gallstones and improve overall health.
