Gallstones (Cholelithiasis)

Gallstones (Cholelithiasis)

Description Symptoms Causes Diagnostics Treatment

Description

The gallbladder is a small organ located under the liver; it is responsible for storing the bile that is produced by the liver; bile is responsible for fats digestion. Bile normally exits the gall bladder and enters the small intestine. Bile that has been stored in the gallbladder hardens into a substance like a stone to develop gallstones. Gallstones can be caused by an excess of cholesterol, bile salts, or bilirubin (a bile pigment). Cholelithiasis affects around 6% of men and 9% of women, making it a very common condition. More than 80% of people have gallstones yet don't exhibit any symptoms. However, 1% to 2% of previously asymptomatic people will develop biliary pain each year. Major complications (gallbladder inflammation, gallstones in the bile duct, bile duct inflammation) might continue to affect people who have already begun to experience symptoms at a rate of 0.1% to 0.3% per year.

Symptoms

Most people who have gallstones don’t have symptoms. Most gallstones do not initially manifest any symptoms. However, symptoms or "attacks" start to happen as gallstones get bigger or when they start blocking bile ducts. Gallstone attacks typically happen at night and after a fatty meal. The most typical signs and symptoms of gallstones are listed below. However, each person may have distinct symptoms. Symptoms may include :

       Sudden, intense abdominal pain that usually lasts between 1 and 5 hours; this type of abdominal pain is known as biliary colic.
      Nausea
       Vomiting
      Fever
      Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
       Abdominal bloating
       Intolerance of fatty foods
      Indigestion
If you experience sudden, intense abdominal pain that lasts more than 1 hour, seek emergency care. 

Causes

       Too much cholesterol in the bile : Normally, the chemicals in your bile are sufficient to break down the cholesterol your liver excretes. However, if your liver excretes more cholesterol than your bile can break down, it may crystallize and eventually turn into stones.
       Too much bilirubin in the bile : The chemical bilirubin is created when your body breaks red blood cells. Your liver produces too much bilirubin under some circumstances, such as liver cirrhosis, biliary tract infections, and certain blood diseases. Gallstone development is influenced by excess bilirubin.
      Incomplete emptying of the gallbladder : Bile can concentrate and turn into gallstones if the gallbladder does not empty properly.
Factors that may increase the risk of having gallstones are :

       Gallstones are more common in women
       People older than 40 years old
       Family history of gallstones
       Obesity
       Use of medicines that contain estrogen (such as birth control pills)
       Pregnancy
      Lack of physical activity
       Diabetes
       Liver cirrhosis
       Rapid weight loss by surgical intervention

Diagnostics

       Ultrasound : a diagnostic technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to create an image of the internal organs.
       Cholecystography : X-ray that shows the flow of contrast fluid through the intestines into the gallbladder.
       Blood tests : to detect infection, obstruction, jaundice, and/or pancreatitis.
       Computed tomography scan (also called a CT or CAT scan)
       Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) : a procedure that involves inserting an endoscope through the stomach and into the small intestine.

Treatment

       Surgery to remove the gallbladder (cholecystectomy)
       Dissolving the gallstones with medications (ursodeoxycholic acid or ursodiol)

Everything You Need To Know Regarding Your Health!

Get the answers you need, all in one place. Explore expert-written blogs, browse our extensive FAQs for quick answers to common concerns, or use our Symptom Checker for preliminary insights.
Need in-depth details? Our Disease Directory provides comprehensive information to help you understand conditions better.
Whatever you're looking for, we’re here to support your health journey, seamlessly and effortlessly.

Check Our Medical Library! →

100+ Expert

Reviewed Blogs & Medical Guidelines

80+ Symptoms

and Diseases Explained