Gallstones are hard, crystalized deposits of digestive fluid made of substances found in bile, like cholesterol. If they cause symptoms, you may need to have your gallbladder removed.
The gallbladder is a small organ in the upper right abdomen, right below your liver. It’s a pouch that stores bile, a green-yellow liquid that helps digestion.
Gallbladder issues typically occur when something is blocking the bile duct opening in the gallbladder.
Gallstones are formed when substances found in bile,
However, around
Keep reading to learn more about the symptoms, causes, and treatments for gallstones.
In most cases, gallstones don’t cause any symptoms and are only identified during a routine checkup.
Gallstones themselves don’t usually cause symptoms until they block the movement of bile from the gallbladder (biliary obstruction). This may cause sudden, sharp pain in the abdomen that can radiate to the back or shoulder blade.
Abdominal pain will usually go away once the gallstones clear the gallbladder duct.
Learn more: What does gallbladder pain feel like?
When to get immediate medical attentionIt’s important to get immediate medical attention if you experience any of the
following symptoms :
- nausea
- vomiting
- fever
- yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice)
These symptoms could be a sign of gallbladder complications or other serious medical conditions, such as pancreatitis, appendicitis, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
The cause of gallstones is thought to be due to having too much cholesterol or bilirubin in your gallbladder.
- Cholesterol: Too much cholesterol in your bile can lead to yellow cholesterol stones, which may develop if your liver makes more cholesterol than your bile can dissolve. Approximately 4 in 5 gallstones are made from cholesterol.
- Bilirubin: This chemical is produced during the normal breakdown of red blood cells. After bilirubin is created, it passes through the liver and is excreted out of the body. These hard stones are often dark brown or black and form when your gallbladder can’t break down the excess bilirubin.
Gallstones may also happen if your gallbladder fails to properly empty its bile content. This bile can become overly concentrated, causing stones to form.
Gallbladder symptoms can sometimes happen
In most cases, you won’t need treatment because gallstones are usually asymptomatic. Sometimes you can pass gallstones without even noticing.
However, if you’re experiencing pain, a doctor may recommend treatment.
Surgery
Treatment for gallstones usually
A doctor may recommend an open cholecystectomy if your gallbladder is inflamed, infected, or scarred. This surgery may also happen if problems occur during a laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
Removing a gallbladder involves rerouting the bile from the liver to the small intestine.
The immediate result is a laxative effect that may cause diarrhea, but this should resolve for most people.
Learn more about gallbladder removal surgery and life after gallbladder removal surgery.
Nonsurgical treatments
A doctor may recommend nonsurgical treatments to help remove gallstones if you can’t tolerate surgery. However, because the gallbladder isn’t being removed, you’re at risk of developing gallstones again.
Some nonsurgical treatments for gallstones may include:
- endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
- shock wave lithotripsy
- bile duct drain
- medications taken by mouth
Researchers have identified
Risk factors for gallstones may include:
- older age
- being assigned female at birth
- having a medical condition, such as obesity, Crohn’s disease, cirrhosis, and sickle cell anemia
- having a gallbladder infection
- eating a diet high in fat or cholesterol and low in fiber
- undergoing rapid weight loss
- being of Native American or Mexican descent
- having a family history of gallstones
- being pregnant
- taking medications with a high estrogen content, such as birth control
While some medications may increase your risk of gallstones, don’t stop taking them unless you have discussed it with a doctor and have their approval.
A doctor will perform a medical history and physical examination, which may include pressing down on your abdomen to check for inflammation.
The exam may also involve using other diagnostic tests to help rule out other conditions that may be causing your symptoms and to see inside your body. These tests include:
- ultrasound
- abdominal CT scan
- cholangiogram
- MRI scan
- gallbladder radionuclide scan
- blood tests
There’s no foolproof way to prevent gallstones.
However, the following lifestyle and dietary changes may help manage cholesterol levels, which play a role in gallstones:
- exercise regularly
- eat a well-balanced diet, including fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains
- limit foods high in saturated fats, such as processed meats, cakes, cookies, lard, cream, cheeses, and oils
- maintain a moderate weight
- gradually lose weight if you have obesity or overweight
If you’re unsure of where to begin with gallbladder prevention, speak with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian. They could help develop an exercise and dietary plan for you.
In rare cases, gallstones may lead to serious complications if they block a bile duct.
Some complications may include:
- gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis)
- bile duct inflammation or infection (cholangitis)
- jaundice
- pancreatitis
- gallbladder cancer
- gallbladder obstruction (ileus)
If you undergo gallbladder surgery, your outlook is most often positive. For instance, less than
If you aren’t able to have surgery and decide to take medication to dissolve the stones, the gallstones may return, so you and a doctor will need to monitor your progress.
Can gallstones go away on their own?
Gallstones can sometimes pass through your digestive system on their own. However, you’ll most likely need treatment to get rid of them if they’re causing symptoms.
What does passing a gallstone feel like?
Gallstones most often don’t cause any symptoms. However, if they block your gallbladder duct, you may experience severe abdominal pain that could last up to 5 hours.
What happens if gallstones are left untreated?
In most cases, you only require gallstone treatment if you experience symptoms. Sometimes, untreated gallstones may lead to
Gallstones are deposits made in your gallbladder from substances found in bile, such as cholesterol and bilirubin.
Most people don’t experience any symptoms of gallstones, but they could cause severe abdominal pain if they get caught in a bile duct.
Speak with a healthcare professional if you experience gallbladder symptoms accompanied by nausea, fever, and vomiting. They could provide a proper diagnosis and treatment plan for you.
