Gallstones Symptoms Causes and Prevention
What are Gallstones ?
Gall stones commonly develop when the bile present in the gall bladder becomes supersaturated with cholesterol, leading to the formation of cholesterol stones. Here we discuss Gallstones Symptoms, Causes & Prevention
Types of Gallstones
• Cholesterol stones – Which are the more common type
• Pigment stones
What are the Causes of Gallstones?
These are can be caused by multiple reasons and the most common causes are:
Excess amount of Cholesterol in Bile
If the bile contains more cholesterol that it can dissolve, it will lead to the formation of cholesterol crystals and eventually gall stones.
Excess Bilirubin in your Bile
In certain conditions like Liver Cirrhosis and Infection of the hepatobiliary tree, the bilirubin may be raised leading to gall stones
Non emptying/ Dysfunctional Gall Bladder
In case the gall bladder doesn’t empty completely or becomes dysfunctional, it may cause the bile to become heavily concentrated leading to the formation of gall stones.
Also Read: Stool Blood: Common Causes And Treatment
When to visit a Surgeon ?
Symptoms of gallbladder Stones
Sudden, severe pain in the abdomen.
Pain in the back, near the shoulder blades
Nausea, vomiting, or high fever
Yellowing of skin and eyes
gallstones prevention
Gallbladder stones can be prevented with certain lifestyle and diet changes.
Simple ways to prevent gallbladder stones include
Weight management and control
✔ Obesity should be avoided since it is one of the major causes of gallstones
✔ Avoid rapid weight gain or weight loss
Intake of healthy fats
✔ Consumption of fats rich in omega-3 fatty acides.
✔ Avoid high cholesterol intake.
Fibre rich diet
✔ Cereals, walnuts, peanuts and legumes are beneficial in preventing gall stones.
✔ Consumption of high fibre diet is recommended.
Exercise
✔ Active lifestyle aids in digestion and emptying of the bile.
Medications
✔ Medications for obesity.
✔ Treatment of infective causes of gall stones.
✔ Strict glycemic control and management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
About Doctor
Dr. Azhar Alam
MBBS (Honours), MRCS A (UK),
DNB General Surgery
FIAGES (Gastro Intestinal Surgery)
FMAS (Minimal Access Surgery),
MNAMS (New Delhi)
Consultant Gastrointestinal, Advanced Laparoscopic and Laser Surgeon
Assistant Professor of Surgery, KPC Medical College and Hospital
