Gallstones are prevalent health conditions that affect people all over the world. They can cause complaints ranging from mild abdominal pain to severe aches and nausea. This comprehensive guide will explore the symptoms and treatment of gallstones, so you can understand how to identify and manage the condition.

What Are Gallstones?

Gallstones are hard deposits that grow in your gallbladder and are known as cholelithiasis. They’re made of cholesterol, substances in bile, or pigment stones caused by bilirubin. Gallstones can cause pain and other severe health conditions if left untreated.

They affect about 10–15 percent of the population, and women are twice as likely to suffer from them. Gallstones can range from small, like a grain of sand, to large, like a golf ball.

Common Signs And Symptoms

The most common and mild symptoms of gallstones are pain in the upper right and middle of the abdomen, nausea, bloating, and gas. These symptoms are often mistaken for indigestion or another digestive disorder. 

The pain can last anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours and is often accompanied by a fever and chills.

Other Common Symptoms Include:

• Dark-colored urine.
• Clay-colored stools.
• Jaundice
• Yellowing & white eyes

Some people may also experience unexplained weight loss or a feeling of fullness even after eating only a small amount of food.

Severe symptoms requiring immediate medical attention

In some cases, gallstones can cause severe and debilitating pain in the abdomen, back, and right shoulder.

If such severe symptoms occur, seek medical attention immediately, as this could indicate the gallstone has blocked the cystic duct, a tube connecting the gallbladder with the rest of the digestive system. 

This could lead to a life-threatening infection called cholecystitis, requiring immediate medical attention.

Causes Of Gallstones

Nobody hopes to hear that they have gallstones, but it affects many of us. Although the most common cause of gallstones is an unhealthy diet. Some unexpected causes can also lead to their development.

Cholesterol

Cholesterol gallstones are the most common type and are caused by an imbalance in the bile component in your gallbladder. Factors contributing to the formation of cholesterol gallstones include obesity, high-fat diets, rapid weight loss, and an inherited disorder of bile acid synthesis.

Imbalance in the bile 

Pigment gallstones are caused by a buildup of bilirubin, a yellowish substance found in bile, or a problem with your red blood cells. Other possible causes of pigment gallstones include liver disease, infection, or cancer.

Gastrointestinal problems

Gallstones can form when the gallbladder doesn’t empty properly. Those who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome and chronic constipation may be more prone to gallstone formation because of this problem.

Unhealthy diet

What you eat and drink can also play a role in gallstone development. A diet high in fat, processed foods, and sugar can increase the risk of gallstones.

Lifestyle 

Lifestyle factors, including smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and lack of exercise, can also increase the risk of gallstones. People who don’t get enough physical activity are more likely to develop gallstones than those who drink heavily or smoke.

Estrogen levels

Estrogen levels can influence gallstones since they play a role in bile production. As a result, women who use estrogen-based medications, such as hormone replacement therapy, are more susceptible to gallstones than those who don’t. The same is true of pregnant women, as the level of estrogen and progesterone in the body increases.

Family history

A family history of gallstones can also be a risk factor. In this case, it’s important to understand how to prevent or reduce your chances of developing gallstones.

Gender

Gender can also be a risk factor, with women having a higher risk of developing gallstones than men. This can be due to changes in pregnancy-related hormones, birth control, other medications, and lifestyle factors.

Other causes

Underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, obesity, and hypothyroidism can increase the risk of developing gallstones. Additionally, medications that reduce the contractions and emptying of the gallbladder can also contribute to the development of gallstones.

Treatment Of Gallstones

The usual treatment for gallstones is surgery to remove the gallbladder. There are two ways to treat gallstones.

1. Surgical treatment

 There are two main types of gallstone treatments: 

• Open 
• Laparoscopic

Open surgery: It involves making a small incision in the abdomen and removing the gallbladder. 

Laparoscopic surgery: It is a minimally invasive procedure involving inserting a thin tube with a camera into the abdomen. This allows the surgeon to view the gallbladder and other organs and then use small tools to remove the gallbladder through the tube.

Benefits Of Surgical Treatment

• The primary benefit of surgical treatment of gallstones is that it can provide pain relief while preventing the formation of more stones. 
• Surgical removal of the gallbladder also reduces the risk of infection and inflammation and can prevent complications due to blockage of the bile ducts. 
• It improves the function of the digestive system, which can be beneficial for people with chronic digestive problems.

Risks And Complications Of Surgical Treatments

Surgical treatment of gallstones is generally safe, but there are risks and potential complications that can occur during the procedure. 

The most common risks include the following:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Reaction to anesthesia

In addition, there is a risk of damage to nearby organs, such as the intestines, liver, and bladder. There is also a slight risk of death.

Considerations Before Surgery

Before considering surgical treatment for gallstones, you should discuss the procedure in detail with your doctor. They can provide information on the risks and benefits to help you make an informed decision. 

Your doctor will also be able to provide details on how to prepare for the surgery, the type of anesthesia that will be used, the expected recovery time, and any other considerations that may be necessary.

2. Non-Surgical Treatment

 If you’ve recently been diagnosed with gallstones, you might feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to do when surgery isn’t an option.

Types Of Non-Surgical Treatments

Non-surgical treatments can relieve symptoms associated with gallstones and dissolve or break up the stones without the need for surgery. Here are some of the more common non-surgical options for treating gallstones:

Shock Wave Therapy: This non-surgical technique uses sound waves to break gallstones into small pieces that can then be passed through the digestive system. The shock wave treatment is done while the person is awake, and most people typically experience mild discomfort during the procedure.

URS/ERC: URS stands for ureteroscopy, and ERC stands for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. The URS/ERC procedure is minimally invasive and uses specialized tools to identify and remove gallstones in the bile ducts. The procedure is typically done with the patient awake, and the effects of the sedative will wear off soon after the treatment is completed.

Endoscopic Treatments: Endoscopic treatments, such as cholangioscopy and ERCP, use tiny instruments to examine and treat the gallbladder and bile ducts without making an incision. Endoscopy is also used to remove large gallstones that cannot be broken up or dissolved using medication or shock wave therapy.

Medical Treatment: Medications can dissolve small gallstones composed of cholesterol, while others can be used to reduce the amount of cholesterol in the bile and prevent additional stones from forming. Before starting any medication, discussing the potential benefits and risks with your doctor is essential.

Benefits Of Non-Surgical Treatments

Non-surgical treatments offer several benefits over traditional surgery, including a significantly reduced risk of infection, shorter recovery times, and fewer complications. Additionally, non-surgical treatments are typically less expensive than surgery and can be done as an outpatient procedure.

Risks And Precautions

Non-surgical treatments for gallstones can come with some risks and side effects, including pain, bleeding, and infection. Therefore, discussing the possible risks and side effects with your doctor before beginning any non-surgical treatments is necessary. 

Additionally, the effectiveness of non-surgical treatments may vary depending on the size and location of the stones.

How To Avoid Gallstones?

The first step is to make healthy lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of developing gallstones. Eating a well-balanced diet that is low in unhealthy fats and cholesterol can help reduce the risk of gallstones. 

Exercising, eating a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and avoiding processed foods can all help reduce the risk of gallstones. It is also essential to maintain a healthy weight and to avoid going on crash diets that can cause the body to become imbalanced.

Modification In Diet To Treat Gallstones

In addition to making lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of gallstones, dietary adjustments can be made to treat the condition. 

• Eating small, frequent meals throughout the day instead of larger meals can help reduce the risk of gallstones. 

• It is also important to avoid unhealthy fats and high-cholesterol foods. 
• Foods such as red meat and egg yolks should be consumed in moderation. Instead, including more fiber-rich foods will be beneficial.

 

Herbal Remedies For Alleviating Gallstones

In addition to dietary and lifestyle changes, there are also herbal remedies to alleviate gallstones. 

Some herbal remedies commonly used include: 

• Dandelion root
• Milk thistle
• Turmeric
• Artichoke
• Ginger

These herbs can help reduce inflammation and pain associated with gallstones. Chanca piedra is an herb traditionally used to help break down gallstones, although research is limited. Talking to a qualified healthcare professional before using any herbal remedies for gallstones is significant.

Final Thought

Gallstones can be painful and uncomfortable, but they can be kept at bay with the proper diet, lifestyle, and herbal remedies. Eating a balanced diet with ample fruits & veggies, reducing unhealthy fats and cholesterol, and exercising regularly can all help to reduce the risk of gallstones. Arogyadham In provides you with the Best Ayurvedic Treatment in Rishikesh to help you in healing your disorder naturally. Our herbal remedies will surely help you to treat the gallstone.

Herbal remedies can also be used in conjunction with lifestyle changes to alleviate the symptoms of gallstones. The steps outlined in this blog makes it possible to keep gallstones at bay and enjoy a happy and healthy life.