Gallstones Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options Explained

Understanding Gallstones: Symptoms, Risk Factors, and Prevention

Gallstones are hardened deposists that form in the gallbladder and is a common digestive disorder affecting millions worldwide. While some people may have gallstones without symptoms, others experience severe pain and complications. While it is not a medical emergency, being aware of its causes and symptoms is necessary.

In this blog, we will explore gallstone symptoms, types and treatment options.

What Are Gallstones?

Gallstones also referred to as Cholelithiasis, are solidified deposits of bile components that form in the gallbladder. The gallbladder is located beneath the liver. Its function entails the secretion of bile, a digestive fluid produced by the liver. Bile is released in the small intestine where it breaks down fats.

Gallstones are more common in the female population and form when bile sediments crystalize.

Gallbladder stones are often asymptomatic. Their size can range from a tiny grain of sand to the size of a golf ball. Small gallstones do not cause any harm. However, bigger stones tend to block the flow of bile causing intense pain and digestive issues.

What Causes Gallstones?

Several factors contribute to the formation of gallstones. They occur when there is an excessive amount of sediment that gradually hardens and turns into stone. These sediments, in turn, are formed when there is an imbalance of the following substances:

Excessive Cholesterol: If the cholesterol excreted by your liver is greater than what your bile can usually digest, it turns into stones.
High bilirubin levels: Your body breaks down red blood cells and produces a substance called bilirubin. It is essentially a pigment which when produced excessively causes gallstones. Liver disease, biliary tract infection and sickle cell anaemia may contribute to this.
Lack of Bile Acid: Bile acid or bile salt is present in your liver that helps make the bile. However, certain diseases cause bile acid malabsorption, where bile salts are excreted. This results in a lack of acids, further leading to lipid or cholesterol formation.
Improper functioning of the gallbladder: If the gallbladder doesn't empty, bile stagnation can promote stone formation. This phenomenon is also referred to as Cholestasis, where stasis means inactivity.

Risk Factors for Gallstones?

A common misconception about gallstones is that everyone having them has some underlying conditions. While this is not entirely true, underlying issues increase the risk of developing stones.

1.Age & Gender

Age plays a great role in the development of gallstones. As gallstones take time to develop, men are more likely to get them after age 60. Women, on the other hand, are at greater risk due to estrogen's role. Estrogen increases cholesterol secretion in bile. Women may develop gallstones during 20-50 years of age.

2.Obesity & Metabolic Syndrome

Weight gain, especially in females, results in more cholesterol and insulin levels. Moreover, overweight individuals release more estrogen, resulting in gallstone formation.

Metabolic syndrome is characterised by the liver producing high levels of cholesterol, resulting in more cholesterol in the bile juice. This excess then crystallises and hardens.

3.Rapid Weight Loss

Weight loss is a crucial part of maintaining your liver and pancreas health. However, rapid and unnatural weight loss causes an imbalance in bile composition. People who actively follow crash diets are at risk of developing gallstones.

4.Pregnancy

Pregnancy results in a lot of bodily functions to change. Gallbladder functions are also affected by pregnancy. It changes how well the organ works and increases estrogen levels. Moreover, it also decreases gall bladder contractions causing bile stasis.

5.Genetics

Genes also play a big role in this digestive disorder. It also serves as a gallstone symptom. Remember to check your family history for gallstones. Moreover, if you are a Native American or Mexican, you have a high chance of developing stones.

6.Diabetes

Diabetes is the most commonly associated underlying disease with gallstones. High insulin levels influence cholesterol metabolism and bile secretion. People suffering from diabetes are at high risk.

7.Improper Diet

A diet high in refined carbohydrates, and trans fats, and low in fibre can contribute to gallstone development.

What are the Types of Gallstones?

There are several types of gallstones, cholesterol gallstones being one of the most common. Here is a list of the types:

1.Cholesterol Gallstones

Cholesterol gallstones are a result of excess cholesterol in the bile juice. They appear yellowish in colour and are more common in the Western countries. However, other components are also present in cholesterol-induced stones. It is the most common type of stone, accounting for at least 80% of most cases.

2.Pigment Gallstones

Pigment gallstones get their name for their dark brown or black appearance. They are composed of calcium salts and bilirubin. They are common in individuals with liver disease, hemolytic disorders, or chronic infections.

How Are Gallstones Formed?

Gallstones are formed when the bile juice becomes oversaturated with cholesterol or bilirubin. This forms microscopic crystals in your gallbladder. Over time, they clump together and crystallise. As the liver produces more bile, they stick to the small stones and eventually grow bigger.

What are the Common Gallstones Symptoms?

Many people with gallstones experience no symptoms (silent gallstones). However, when stones obstruct bile flow, they can cause biliary colic or more severe complications.

Symptoms of Biliary Colic

A sharp and sudden pain that can range from 1 to 5 hours in the upper right abdomen or below the breastbone is called biliary colic. It is commonly triggered when you consume foods containing a high-fat level.

Other common symptoms associated with gallstones are as follows:

Pain radiating to the right shoulder or back
Nausea
Vomiting
Bloating
Indigestion
Clay-coloured stools (indicating bile flow obstruction)
High temperature
Rapid heartbeat
Confusion
Diarrhea
Chills
Loss of appetite

Gallstones symptoms female:

Gallbladder stones are more prevalent among women. Here are some of the symptoms, women may experience:

Sharp or dull pain in the upper abdomen lasting several hours
Pain between the shoulder blades
Discomfort in the right shoulder
Nausea and vomiting
Fever and chills
Pale or clay-colored stools
Dark, tea-colored urine

However, sometimes the pain may occur in other parts of the body. This is called referred pain and it is more common among women. Since they are more likely to dismiss minor pain, many women unknowingly ignore gallstone symptoms.

Complications of Gallstones

Although gallstones do not cause complications when present in small quantities, they produce complications when they move to the bile ducts. This causes obstruction and pain.

1.Acute Cholecystitis (Gallbladder Inflammation)

It is characterised by the following:

Persistent right upper abdominal pain
Fever and chills
Tenderness when pressing on the abdomen

2.Choledocholithiasis (Bile Duct Obstruction)

When the gallstone obstructs the bile duct, the following symptoms occur:

Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes)
Dark urine
Pale stools
Severe abdominal pain

3.Cholangitis (Bile Duct Infection)

Bile duct infection is characterised by:

High fever, chills
Severe jaundice
Low blood pressure (sepsis risk)

4.Pancreatitis (Inflammation of the Pancreas)

Sometimes, the gallstones cause inflammation in the pancreas. The gallstone symptoms to look out for in this case are:

Intense upper abdominal pain
Nausea and vomiting
Rapid heartbeat

How to Prevent Gallstones?

Gallstone symptoms are preventable. The following methods are associated with the prevention of gallstones:

1.Balanced Diet

Consuming a balanced gallstone diet is linked to healthy gut health. Increase whole grains, vegetables and fruit intake to support bile flow. Consume healthy fats including omega-3-rich foods to regulate cholesterol metabolism. Moreover, reduce sugar intake as well to prevent the rise in cholesterol levels. Lastly, drink plenty of water as it detoxifies and promotes bile flow. Also, avoid prolonged fasting as it triggers gallstone formation.

2.Maintain a Healthy Weight

A healthy weight helps to keep gallstone symptoms in check. If you are overweight or obese, do not fall for diet trends like crash diets and intermittent fasting. Instead, aim for gradual weight loss through exercise and diet. Engage in physical activity such as walking, yoga or cycling.

Gallstones Treatments

Treatment options for gallstones are of two types:

Surgical
Non-surgical

1.Surgical Treatment for Gallstone

Cholecystectomy, or gallstone surgery removes the gallbladder entirely. Since it is not an essential organ, the bile then directly flows from the liver to the small intestine. However, it may cause mild indigestion and diarrhoea. There are two types of cholecystectomy:

Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
Open Cholecystectomy

2.Non-Surgical Gallstone Treatment

People often ask: 'How to remove gallstones without removing the gallbladder?'.

Fortunately, you do not always have to remove your gallbladder to deal with the symptoms of gallstone symptoms.

Here are some of the most common gallstone treatments without surgery:

Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP): This non-invasive method removes stones blocking the bile duct without surgery.
Oral Dissolution Therapy: Certain drugs like Ursodiol and Chenodiol help dissolve cholesterol, thus facilitating non-surgical treatment. These medicines contain bile salts that help break the gallstones.
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy or ESWL: In this method shock waves are sent in order to break gallstones into smaller pieces so that they can easily pass. This technique is often combined with Ursodiol (gallstone dissolution agents) for better results.
Conclusion

Gallstone symptoms are a prevalent but manageable condition. By understanding their causes, symptoms, and prevention strategies, you can take steps to protect your digestive health. If you experience persistent pain or other warning signs, seek immediate medical advice.

Early detection and proper treatment can prevent complications and improve quality of life. Whether through lifestyle changes, medications, or surgery, there are effective ways to manage gallstones and maintain optimal well-being.