Symptoms Of Gallstones

Gallstones are small hard objects that resemble small pebbles. These get stuck in the gallbladder or ducts, and develop from abnormal bile. These solid masses are composed primarily of cholesterol and bilirubin. Gallstones can be painful or painless, but too many can cause severe health complications if left untreated. Symptoms of gallstones are sometimes nonexistent, making it difficult to diagnose and treat them before they become too risky.

Causes of Gallstones

Gallstones are caused when the body produces too many bile components. They are caused by accretion or concretion of those deposits. Gallstones are usually brought on by a poor diet and poor exercise habits. Other medical conditions can increase the likelihood that the body will develop gallstones. In addition, not having strong muscles can cause your gallbladder to work improperly and thus creating gallstones in the bile duct or gallbladder itself. Certain medications and being overweight also contribute to the risk factor. If you are overweight, female, and eat a poor diet, then you could be experiencing gallstone symptoms without noticing.

Symptoms of Gallstones

Scarily enough, a large portion of individuals that have gallstones do not experience the symptoms that go along with them. As the gallstone condition worsens, the pain and symptoms also increase. Gallstone pain is referred to as an “attack”. An individual who has known gallstone problems can avoid these attacks by eating a healthy diet and making sure to exercise. Attacks can happen at a number of intervals including daily, weekly, monthly, and for some people, yearly. The pain occurs at night in most cases and can be severe enough to last for hours. If the individual consumes a particularly greasy meal then an attack may set in as early as 30 minutes after. Nausea and vomiting are also common symptoms, especially if they happen after the aforementioned conditions take place. Jaundice and bloating are also symptoms of gallstones. These symptoms can be misleading however, in the case that other medical conditions can also include the above symptoms. Jaundice, fever, and persistent excruciating pain are considered the most extreme symptoms.

When are Gallstones Dangerous?

Not all gallstones are dangerous but they can cause complications in the future if they are not taken care of in a timely matter. Even tiny gallstones can eventually grow and cause severe pain, but sometimes they simply pass through your body. If you begin to experience an “episode” after a meal, it’s a good idea to call a medical professional. It typically isn’t an emergency case but a next day appointment is recommended. Again, symptoms of gallstones are not always present so it’s hard to identify when there is a need for concern. If you experience fever, jaundice, or severe pain, go to a hospital immediately.

Getting Treatment for Gallstone Symptoms

Treatment usually involves removal of gallstones and a diet low in cholesterol and fats. Eating healthy fats and plenty of vegetables is highly recommended. Those who are prone to gallstones should always be aware of their body conditions and note any abnormalities. Gallstones are typically not life threatening but they can be if left untreated.