Gallstone Symptoms: Gallstones are small, hard deposits that form in the gallbladder. The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped sac that stores bile, which is a digestive fluid produced by the liver. Bile helps the body digest fat. Gallstones can be as small as a grain of sand or as large as a golf ball. Most gallstones don’t cause any symptoms and don’t need to be treated. However, if a gallstone lodges in the bile duct, it can block the flow of bile and cause severe pain, jaundice, or pancreatitis.
But before one reaches the doctor it is a must to know about the symptoms. In this read, we will help you to know about gallstone symptoms in detail. Let’s have a look!
10 Main Symptoms of Gallstone:
The symptoms of gallstones are as follows:
1· Pain in the upper abdomen, especially after meals:
When a gallstone lodges in the bile duct, it can cause a blockage. The duct is a tube that carries bile from the gallbladder to the intestine. Bile is a digestive fluid that helps the body break down fats. If the duct is blocked, bile can back up into the gallbladder, causing a gallbladder attack. The most common symptom of a gallbladder attack is a pain in the upper abdomen, especially after meals. The pain may be intense and come on suddenly. It may also radiate to the back or between the shoulder blades.
2· Pain in the back or between the shoulder blades:
Pain in the back or between the shoulder blades is a Symptom of gallstone. The pain is due to the gallstone pressing on the nerves in the back. The pain is usually worse at night and can be so severe that it wakes the person up. This can also radiate to the front of the chest.
3· Pain under the right shoulder:
Pain under the right shoulder can be a symptom of gallstone. The pain may radiate from the right upper abdomen to the right shoulder. The pain may be aggravated by deep inspiration, coughing, or lying down on the right side.
4· Nausea or vomiting:
Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms of gallstones. The stones can block the bile duct and cause an attack of pain. The pain may be severe and last for several hours. If the stones block the pancreatic duct, they can cause pancreatitis, which is a very serious condition.
5· Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice):
Jaundice happens when the bile ducts are blocked and bile builds up in the blood. Bile is a yellowish-green substance that helps with digestion. When bile builds up, it can make the skin and whites of the eyes look yellow. Jaundice can also cause dark urine, light-colored stool, and itchiness. If you have any of these symptoms, you should see a doctor.
6· Clay-colored stools:
The clay-colored stool is a symptom of gallstone, which is a stone that forms in the gallbladder. The stones are usually made up of cholesterol and can range in size from a grain of sand to a golf ball. They can cause pain in the abdomen, nausea, and vomiting. If the stone blocks the bile duct, it can also cause jaundice.
7· Fever:
Fever is a common symptom of gallstones, which are small stones that form in the gallbladder. The stones can block the bile duct and cause inflammation. Fever is often the first symptom of gallstones, and it can range from mild to severe.
8· Chills:
Chills is a symptom of gallstone, and it is caused by the presence of a stone in the gallbladder. The stone may be small and cause no symptoms, or it may be large and cause pain, blockage of the bile duct, or inflammation of the gallbladder.
9· Intolerance of fatty foods:
Intolerance of fatty foods is a symptom of gallstone. It is a condition where the person feels pain after eating fatty foods. The pain is due to the gallstone blocking the bile duct. The person may also feel nausea and vomiting.
10· Bloating:
Bloating is a common symptom of gallstones. The stones can block the bile duct and prevent the flow of bile. This can cause pain, inflammation, and irritation. The stones can also block the pancreas, which can lead to pancreatitis.
Diagnosis of Gallstone Symptoms:
Your doctor can usually diagnose gallstones based on your symptoms and a physical exam. He or she may also order one or more of the following tests:
- Ultrasound: This test uses sound waves to create a picture of your gallbladder and stones.
- CT scan: This test uses X-rays to create a detailed picture of your gallbladder and stones.
- ERCP: This test uses a long, flexible tube equipped with a miniature camera to look inside your gallbladder and ducts.
Whom to Approach?
A person suffering from any kind of abdominal pain should immediately consult the Best Laparoscopic Surgeon in Bharatpur – Dr. Madhav Mayank Sharma. He is an expert in performing minimally invasive surgery for the treatment of gallstones. He has successfully operated on numerous patients and has been able to provide them with complete relief from their pain. Laparoscopic surgery is a type of surgery that uses small incisions and a camera to look inside the abdomen. This surgery is less invasive than traditional surgery, and it results in less pain and scarring. Dr. Sharma is highly skilled in performing laparoscopic surgery, and he has a wealth of experience in treating gallstones.
He is an excellent surgeon, and he has a proven track record of success in treating gallstones. He is highly skilled and experienced, and he has helped countless patients find relief from their pain. If you are suffering from abdominal pain, you should consult Dr. Sharma to see if laparoscopic surgery is right for you.
Also, Read This:
What are kidney stone problems?
What are the symptoms of Gallbladder Stones?
Kidney Stones: किडनी में पथरी की पहचान कैसे करें?
FAQ: Gallstone Symptoms
Q. 1 What are the types of gallstones?
Ans: There are two types of gallstones:
- Cholesterol stones. These stones are made mostly of cholesterol.
- Pigment stones. These stones are made mostly of bilirubin, a waste product.
Gallstones form when there is an imbalance in the chemical makeup of your bile. This imbalance can be caused by:
- Too much cholesterol in your bile.
- Too much bilirubin in your bile.
- Not enough bile salts in your bile.
Q. 2 What are the risk factors for developing gallstones?
Ans: There are several factors that may increase your risk of developing gallstones, including:
- Age: Gallstones are more common in adults over the age of 40.
- Gender: Women are more likely than men to develop gallstones.
- Pregnancy: Pregnant women are at increased risk for developing gallstones.
- Family history: If you have a family member with gallstones, you may be more likely to develop them yourself.
- Obesity: People who are obese are at increased risk for developing gallstones.
- Diabetes: People with diabetes are at increased risk for developing gallstones.
Q. 3 What are the treatment options for gallstones?
Ans: Treatment for gallstones typically depends on whether or not you are experiencing symptoms. If you do not have symptoms, your doctor may recommend watchful waiting. This means that you will be under observation for any changes in your condition, but no treatment will be given.
Q. 5 What are the complications of gallstones?
Ans: If a gallstone lodges in a duct and blocks the flow of bile, it can cause:
- Inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis)
- Pancreatitis
- Jaundice
