Symptoms of gallstones include pain and jaundice. The liver and gallbladder are two structures located in the abdomen that produce bile, a substance that breaks down fats. Gallstones form when the bile contains too much cholesterol. Other factors, such as a diet that is high in saturated fat and a family history of gallstones, also increase the risk of gallstones.
Gallstones can also be caused by inflammation of the pancreas. If the pancreas becomes inflamed, it can cause a problem in the gallbladder, which can lead to infection of the gallbladder. Gallstones can also block drainage ducts. When this happens, the gallbladder cannot drain bile properly. This can cause a condition called acute cholecystitis, which is similar to acute appendicitis.
Gallstones can be treated by removing the gallbladder. This can prevent stones from forming, and it also allows bile to flow directly into the small intestine, where it is broken down.
Gallstones can also be treated by injecting a dye into the bile ducts. This allows doctors to see if stones are blocking the ducts and causing inflammation. The dye is injected so that doctors can remove the stones. This can be done with an endoscope, which is a flexible tube that passes through the mouth and the small intestine. It is often used in combination with other tests.
Gallstones can also be diagnosed using a blood test, liver function tests, and ultrasound. Blood tests look for signs of inflammation or injury to the liver, and liver function tests look for signs of blockage in the bile ducts. An ultrasound will also show any abnormalities that are associated with acute cholecystitis. These tests will help doctors determine if the gallstones are blocking the ducts or if they are silent stones that don’t interfere with the liver’s normal function.
Gallstones can also cause jaundice, or yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes. Jaundice is a result of too much bilirubin in the body. If too much bilirubin is present, the gallbladder may become inflamed, which can cause pain.
Symptoms of gallstones can also include fever, dark urine, and shaking. If you experience gallstones symptoms, you should go to the doctor. They may prescribe antibiotics or stronger painkillers. In addition, you should avoid fatty foods. These foods may squeeze the gallstone into the duct, which will cause pain. The doctor may also recommend an endoscopy, which is an endoscope that passes through the mouth and the small bowel. This will allow doctors to see if the ducts are blocked and remove the gallstones.
Gallstones can be treated by surgery, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, or ursodeoxycholic acid. These treatments are done in a hospital. In addition, the gallbladder may be removed, which allows bile to flow directly into the intestine.
Gallstones are rarely fatal. However, if a stone blocks a duct and stays there, the duct can become inflamed and infected, causing a condition called pancreatitis. Other gallstone complications include gallbladder cancer.
