How Are Gallstones Formed? Symptoms and When Is It Time To See The Doctor?
Gallstones and the Symptoms?
Gallstones are solid particles that form from bile cholesterol and bilirubin in the gallbladder. Gallstones can form in any size, from small stones or a single larger stone. If the stones are very small, they may form a sludge or slurry. The symptoms depends on the size and the number of stones in the body. The most common symptoms associated with gallstones is pain in the upper right portion of your abdomen. This only happened when a gallstone lodges in a duct causing blockage. Patient may also feel sudden pain the center of the abdomen, back pain between the shoulder blades and pain the in the right shoulder.
When a patient is diagnosed with gallstones, there are two types of gallstones identified.
1) Cholesterol stones: They form when there is too much cholesterol in the bile, often appears in yellow colour.
2) Pigment stones: They form when there is excess bilirubin in the bile, often appears in dark brown or black colour of stones.
What are the main causes?
1) Your bile contains too much cholesterol. Normally, your bile contains enough chemicals to dissolve the cholesterol excreted by your liver. But if your liver excretes more cholesterol than your bile can dissolve, the excess cholesterol may form into crystals and eventually into stones.
2) Your bile contains too much bilirubin. Bilirubin is a chemical that's produced when your body breaks down red blood cells. Certain conditions cause your liver to make too much bilirubin, including liver cirrhosis, biliary tract infections and certain blood disorders. The excess bilirubin contributes to gallstone formation.
3) Your gallbladder doesn't empty correctly. If your gallbladder doesn't empty completely or often enough, bile may become very concentrated and this contributes to the formation of gallstones.
Image source: University of Maryland Medical Centre
When is it time to see the Doctor?
Seek immediate care if you notice these symptoms:
1) Severe abdominal pain that you can't seems to find a comfortable position
2) Jaundice and whites of your eyes
3) High fever with chills
Do not take risks and consult your doctor today! Although, Gallstones is treatable, do not let it expand to a bigger complications. If you noticed any symptoms, be it a mild or moderate ones, seek for medical help immediately. Treat your body the way it wants to.
H/T: Mayo Clinic
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