The Gallstone Dilemma: Navigating Your Way to a Healthy Gallbladder
Subtitle: Your Comprehensive Guide to Dealing with Gallstones and Promoting Optimal Gallbladder Health
During my time working in the ER, gallstones were a common reason for patients to visit. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, it's estimated that about 10-15% of adults in the US have gallstones. That means that millions of people in the US may be affected by this condition. However, many people with gallstones may not experience any symptoms and may never know they have them. Most of the gallstone cases were where patients either went home with outpatient follow-ups with their GI providers or stayed in the hospital for surgery. About 20% of patients with acute gallbladder infections may experience gallstones obstructing the common bile duct, which is the duct that connects to the second part of the duodenum for bile to reach our small intestine to digest fat. Symptoms of this include severe epigastric pain with nausea and jaundice (yellow like a banana).
From Canvas
Let me introduce you to Mary. She had been experiencing epigastric pain for months and had been misdiagnosed with stomach pain. She was a medium-sized man who loved fast food. She had been experiencing pain after meals with bloating for months. Her primary doctor prescribed him Omeprazole for stomach pain which can reduce acid production in her stomach, but she didn't see any improvement after three months. One night, her pain persisted for a whole day and radiated to the back with nausea. I cared for her in the ER and diagnosed her with an acute gallbladder infection with common bile duct obstruction. Her urine was tea-colored, and his skin was yellow. She needed an urgent ERCP procedure to remove the obstructed stones; otherwise, she would have developed pancreatitis and increased his mortality rate.
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What is Gallbladder Stone?
Gallbladder stones may not be the most glamorous topic, but they are a common medical condition that can cause discomfort and inconvenience for many people. Essentially, these stones are formed when substances in bile clump together inside the gallbladder. While they can range in size and severity, they can lead to symptoms such as pain, nausea, and digestive issues.
But fear not; there are ways to manage gallbladder stones and reduce the likelihood of future episodes. From changes in diet to medical interventions, various options are available to those dealing with this condition. And remember, you're not alone - millions of people worldwide are dealing with gallbladder stones, and support and information are available to help you navigate this journey.
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What is the function of the gallbladder?
The gallbladder is a pear-shaped sac that is located below the liver on the upper right side of the abdomen. It is a small organ, measuring about 3 to 4 inches long and about 1 inch in diameter. The gallbladder's primary function is to store and concentrate bile, a digestive fluid produced by the liver. Bile is important for breaking down fats in the small intestine and helps absorb fat-soluble vitamins. When food is consumed, the gallbladder releases bile into the small intestine to aid in the digestion of fats. Without a gallbladder, the liver would still produce bile, but it would continuously drip into the small intestine instead of being stored and released in a controlled manner. While it is possible to live without a gallbladder, its removal can sometimes lead to digestive problems, particularly after eating fatty foods.
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Causes of Gallbladder Stone
There are several factors that can increase the risk of developing gallbladder stones, including:
Gender: Women are more likely than men to develop gallbladder stones.
Age: People over 40 years of age are more prone to developing gallbladder stones.
Obesity: Obesity or being overweight can increase the risk of developing gallbladder stones.
Rapid weight loss: Losing weight too quickly can lead to the formation of gallbladder stones.
Genetics: A family history of gallbladder stones can increase the risk of developing the condition.
Other medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes and liver disease, can increase the risk of gallbladder stones.
Rapid weight loss can lead to the formation of gallbladder stones because when the body breaks down fat too quickly, it can cause an imbalance of cholesterol and other substances in the bile, leading to the formation of stones. Additionally, when the gallbladder does not empty properly, bile can become concentrated, increasing the risk of stone formation.
Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, can increase the risk of gallbladder stones. This may be because people with diabetes often have high levels of triglycerides, a type of fat found in the blood, which can contribute to forming gallstones. Additionally, people with diabetes may have reduced gallbladder function, which can lead to the formation of gallstones.
Symptoms of Gallbladder Stone
The symptoms of gallbladder stones can vary from person to person. Some common symptoms include:
Sharp pain in the upper right abdomen that may spread to the back or shoulder blade.
Nausea and vomiting.
Indigestion and bloating.
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes).
Fever and chills.
Clay-colored stools and dark urine.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Gallbladder Stone
Doctors may perform various tests to diagnose gallbladder stones, including ultrasound, CT scan, and blood tests. Treatment options for gallbladder stones may include:
Watchful waiting: In some cases, doctors may recommend a wait-and-see approach if the stones are small and not causing any symptoms.
Medications: Certain medications can help dissolve gallbladder stones.
Surgery: Surgical gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy) is the most common treatment for gallbladder stones.
Non-surgical procedures: Non-surgical procedures such as shock wave therapy and endoscopic removal may be an option for some people.
