Gallstones, also considered as gallstones, are small solid formations that form inside the gallbladder. They vary in size, from tiny grains of sand to larger stones that cause pain.
These stones do not always cause problems, but when they block the bile ducts, the pain shows suddenly and can be quite intense, joined by other annoying symptoms.
This problem affects women more, especially those with specific risk factors, such as a diet high in fats and a sedentary lifestyle. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the causes, symptoms and treatment options to avoid complications.
What are gallstones?
Gallstones are solid formations that frow in the gallbladder — a small organ located below the liver, responsible for storing bile, a liquid that helps in the digestion of fats.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, these stones are usually composed of cholesterol or bilirubin. Most of the time, they don’t cause symptoms, but if they block the bile duct, they can cause terrible pain and inflammation (cholelithiasis), which requires medical treatment.
There are two main types of gallstones: cholesterol gallstones, which are more popular, and pigmented gallstones, which happens due to excess bilirubin. Both can block the flow of bile and cause pain.
Symptoms of gallstones
According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms vary relying on the severity and location of the stone. The most popular signs include:
- Severe pain in the upper right abdomen
- Pain in the center of the abdomen, below the breastbone
- Back pain between the shoulder blades
- Right shoulder pain
- Nausea and vomiting.
These symptoms show suddenly and can last from a few minutes to several hours. In severe cases, the stones cause complications such as infection and inflammation, requiring urgent medical attention.
Causes of Gallbladder Stones
