Gallstones are small pebble-like deposits found in gallbladder. The most common types of gallstones are usually made up of cholesterol. There are other types of gallstones which are made up of bilirubin, which are also known as pigment stones. Usually they do not cause any problems; however, if the stones get trapped in an opening in the gallbladder, the affected person can experience severe abdominal pain.
Gallstones are small pebble-like deposits found in gallbladder. The most common types of gallstones are usually made up of cholesterol. There are other types of gallstones which are made up of bilirubin, which are also known as pigment stones. Usually they do not cause any problems; however, if the stones get trapped in an opening in the gallbladder, the affected person can experience severe abdominal pain.
Symptoms and Causes
A large gallstone may cause extreme pain in the middle upper or right upper abdomen. Some other symptoms that may occur if you have gallstones include:
- Yellowing of skin
- Fever
- Nausea and vomiting
- Clay-coloured stools
You are more likely to develop gallstones if you have:
- Diabetes
- Obesity or overweight problem
- Solid organ transplant
- Improperly functioning gallbladder that fails to empty bile properly
- Biliary tract infection
- Liver cirrhosis
- Bone marrow
- Medical condition that cause the liver to produce bilirubin in excess, like sickle cell anaemia
Treatment
Studies claim that increasing intake of vitamin C and E in the body lowers the risk of developing gallstones. According to a dietary analysis, low intake of vitamin E, essential amino acids and linolenic acid poses a risk of the onset of gallstones. Increasing the intake of Vitamin B Complex helps in emptying the gallbladder, thus reducing the risk of gallstone formation. If somebody already has gallstones, they must consume considerable amounts of water, which will help in flushing out the stones.
