Gallstones In A Nutshell- Cause, Risk Factors, Complication

The gallbladder is a pear-shaped organ that produces digestive enzymes. It is located beneath the liver on the right side of the abdomen. Gallstones are a hardened deposit of digestive enzymes which forms inside the gallbladder. They range in size and composition. Their size might vary from sand granule to golf ball. Gallbladder surgery can effectively address gallstones. Here we present some crucial aspects of gallstones in brief.

Causes of gallstones

There are a few reasons that have been found associated with gallstones. These causes are as follows-

Higher concentration of bilirubin

Certain condition leads to excessive secretion of bilirubin from the liver. having a higher level of

bilirubin in the bile juice can lead to gallstone formation

High concentration of cholesterol

Usually, the amount of cholesterol present in bile gets dissolved while breaking down the food particle. In case residual cholesterol depositing over time, it takes the form of gallstones.

Gallbladder does not get emptied entire

It is crucial for gallbladder to completely empty its digestive juices. When this does not happen again and again, it leads to the formation of gallstone.

Risk factors of gallstones

Though anyone can have gallstones in this era. However, some risk factors make it a more likely scenario. Some of these risks factors are as such-

• Aging, particularly over the age of 40
• Being female
• Being pregnant currently or previously
• Having a sedentary lifestyle
• Being native American or Mexican
• Eating high fat, low-calorie diet
• Having a family history of gallstones
• Having a personal history of gallstones
• Being obese or overweight, particularly having a pear-shaped body type
• Losing weight too rapidly
• Having diabetes or some liver illness
• Taking contraceptives or hormonal therapy medication

Complications of gallstones

It may occur in case gallstones don’t get treated on time.

• Blockage of the common bile duct( It can also lead to jaundice later on.)
• Blockage of the pancreatic duct
• Gallbladder cancer
• Inflammation of the gallbladder.

Gallstones cannot be treated with oral medication or therapy. Even if it does help with managing the symptoms, it does not offer a permanent solution that can happen only with a gallstone surgery.

Most healthcare centers offer laparoscopic gallbladder surgery, in which they remove the gallbladder altogether to fix the problem for once and for all. It ensures a healthy, gallstone-free life thereafter.

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Created on Mar 28th 2019 20:20. Viewed 630 times.

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