Gallstones, commonly known as cholelithiasis, is a very common problem nowadays across the world. However, the groups of individuals with the highest prevalence of gallbladder symptoms are women who are older than 40 years. If you are also amongst one of the gallbladder patients and facing problems, you need to find top-rated gastroenterology specialist in your region.
Gallstones are the result of substances that make up bile, such as cholesterol or bilirubin. They become too concentrated that they crystallize into a stone. These stones may be as small as a grain of sand or as large as a golf ball.
Some people may develop only one or two while others have many. Not everyone experiences pain or health problems related to gallstones, but for those who do, gallbladder symptoms can be very painful. Although gallstones do not cause any problem sometimes there occurs a situation where they obstruct an exit from the gallbladder such as the common bile duct thus leading to troublesome situations. This is because this type of obstruction blocks normal bile flow and causes the gallbladder to go into spasms and become inflamed, thus resulting in a condition known as a cholecystitis.
Gallstones can result in these below mentioned common gallbladder symptoms:
Abdominal Pain – The sufferer might experience dull or sharp pains in the upper part of the abdomen which pops up and go or sometimes it is persistent. This type of pain most commonly occurs after consuming a fried or high-fat meal. The pain is so very severe and persists for more than 5 hours may require medical attention.
Back and Shoulder Pain – Pain caused by gallstones may also travel to the back and also to the shoulders, particularly between the shoulder blades, or under the right shoulder blade.
Vomiting and Nausea – Gallbladder problem may result either in nausea or vomiting. But, long term diseases and disorders may cause frequent nausea and long-term digestive issues.
Jaundice – When the bile ducts get blocked, bilirubin accumulates and builds up in the blood thus resulting in a yellowish skin color and eyes which is popularly known as jaundice.
Change in Bowel Movements – Gallstones can often cause pale or chalky colored stool due to issues with the drainage of bile. Urine may also darken in color.
Fever With Chills – Very rare there occurs a situation when the gallbladder becomes inflamed or infected under chronic pressure and if it bursts, the infected material spreads through the abdomen causing a serious health emergency. When this happens, an infection can leak into other parts of the body, causing fever and chills.
In cases where the pain is severe and persistent, medical attention may be required to treat the problem. However, for those who experience mild, occasional pain that resolves on its own, making healthy lifestyle changes and taking safe, effective supplements as advised by gastroenterology specialist for gallstones can help reduce gallbladder symptoms and get digestion back on track.