Gallstones (Cholelithiasis): Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment & Prevention

Gallstones are small, brittle pieces that develop in your gallbladder. The gallbladder is an organ, shaped like a pear, located beneath your liver. Even though the stones are typically silent and trouble-free, they can occasionally cause abrupt pain, indigestion, and, if left untreated, potentially fatal complications.

At the best gallbladder treatment hospital in Greater Noida, our goal is to give you the right information. This blog post guides you step by step through the facts about gallstones—from warning signs to surgical relief—so that you can take informed action for relief and prevention.

Do you want long-term relief from gallbladder issues? Call us now at +91 9667064100.

What are Gallstones?

Gallstones are hardened deposits that form in the bile ducts or gallbladder from digestive fluids, mostly bile. The liver produces bile, which is stored in the gallbladder and helps break down lipids. Bile can form crystals when it has too much cholesterol or bilirubin and not enough bile salts. There is a high possibility that these crystals can turn into gallstones.

Types of Gallstones

• Cholesterol stones: The most prevalent kinds of gallstones are cholesterol stones, which are yellow-green in colour and mostly made of hardened cholesterol.

• Pigment stones: Small, dark stones known as pigment stones are caused by an excess of bilirubin. They are often associated with liver disease or infections.

How dangerous are gallstones?

Most gallstones are harmless and don't cause any symptoms. These are called "silent" gallstones. When a stone blocks the bile ducts, it can cause a lot of pain and lead to serious problems, including infection or inflammation of the pancreas, liver, or gallbladder.

If you don't take action, these effects could be deadly. It's essential for your safety to be aware of the early warning signs and get medical help right away.

How Common are Gallstones?

Millions of people around the world suffer from gallstones. They are most commonly seen in:

• Women within the age range of  20 to 50 years

• Overweighted people

• People with a family history of gallstones

Gallstones are common, but less than 20% of people who have them show symptoms or need gallstone treatment.

Symptoms of Gallstones

Many gallstone sufferers become aware of their condition when symptoms start to show.

• intense, abrupt pain in the middle or upper right abdomen

• Pain that radiates to the back or right shoulder

• Vomiting or feeling queasy

• Chills or fever

• Jaundice.

• Dark-coloured urine or light-coloured poop

Contact a doctor immediately if you notice any of these symptoms, especially if they come with pain or fever.

What Does a Gallstone Attack Feel Like?

Gallstone pain, which is also known as a gallbladder attack, usually:

• Hits hard and all of a sudden

• Happens after eating a meal high in fat

• Occurs at night or when you are sleeping

• Can come and go or last for a few hours

This pain, known as biliary colic, may indicate a blockage in the bile duct. Even if the pain subsides, it should not be ignored because it may return. 

Causes of Gallstones

When the substances that produce bile are not present in balanced amounts, gallstones can develop. These consist of:

• Bile with too much cholesterol can crystallize and become stones.

• Increased bilirubin levels due to liver or blood condition

• Low bile salts, which typically aid in the breakdown of cholesterol

• Reduced gallbladder function, which results in bile accumulation and stone formation

Being aware of these causes aids in prompt treatment and prevention.

Risk Factors for Gallstones

The warning indications of gallstones include:

• 40 years of age or older

• Being female

• Being overweight or someone losing weight rapidly

• You are consuming a diet that is low in fibre and high in fat.

• Pregnancy

• Have a family history of gallstones

• Have diabetes or liver disease

• Inactive lifestyle

If any of these apply to you, see a doctor about prevention and early detection.

Diagnosis and Testing

If you visit a  laparoscopic surgeon in Greater Noida with symptoms of gallstones, the doctor may suggest some tests to confirm the diagnosis and plan the appropriate treatment.

Blood Tests

The blood tests help in detecting:

• Infections

• Issues pertaining to the liver

• Indications of bile duct enlargement or obstruction

Imaging Tests

To detect and measure the size or number of gallstones, we advise using the imaging techniques listed below:

• Ultrasound: It is the most common and effective method.

• CT Scan: It gives   you detailed cross-sectional pictures

• MRCP (Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography): An MRI-based imaging test that doesn't hurt and views bile ducts.

• Endoscopic Ultrasound: An endoscope takes high-resolution pictures of the inside of the body.

• ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography): It serves as both a diagnostic and therapeutic procedure, capable of removing stones.

These tests help the specialist determine the location, size, and severity of gallstones, which helps them devise the best treatment plan. In Greater Noida, the cost of treatment for gallstones is affordable, so people can get the care they need quickly and effectively.

Possible Complications of Gallstones

Gallstones can cause serious problems when they block the flow of bile. These problems include:

• Cholecystitis: Infection and swelling of the gallbladder

• Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas

• Cholangitis: An infection in the bile duct 

• Liver Damage: The liver is damaged due to bile buildup

• Sepsis: A life-threatening blood infection which spreads rapidly

• Jaundice: A buildup of bile that turns the skin and eyes yellow

These situations are medical emergencies. If you or someone you know has a high fever, yellow skin or eyes, confusion, or severe stomach pain, you should get medical help right away.

Treatment Options for Gallstones

If you are in pain, have an infection, or have a blocked bile duct, you should see a doctor.

Surgical Treatment

• Cholecystectomy, which is the surgical removal of the gallbladder, is the most common and the best treatment.

• Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a minimally invasive surgery using small cuts.

• Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the most preferred method of gallstone removal, with less pain, quicker recovery, and a short hospital stay.

• After surgery, bile flows directly from the liver to the intestine, which lets digestion continue as usual.

Prevention: How to Lower Your Risk

A few important changes to your life can lower the risk of gallstone formation:

• Keep your weight in check: Being overweight raises your risk.

• Don't go on crash diets or quick weight loss: Losing weight too quickly can cause gallstone formation.

• Eat a balanced diet: Include fiber-rich and low-cholesterol foods in your diet, along with whole grains, fruits, and vegetables that help keep bile moving.

• Stay active: Moving around regularly supports healthy digestion and gallbladder function

• Take care of long-term health problems, like diabetes, liver disease, and metabolic disorders.

Book an appointment with a specialist at the best hospital in Greater Noida today for expert diagnosis and treatment of gallstones.

Conclusion

Gallstones can worsen and cause serious issues if untreated, even if you have no symptoms.

The good news is? Most individuals fully recover when they receive the correct diagnosis and timely treatment. You can manage gallstones, and in many cases, you can prevent them from occurring.

Look for signs like persistent stomach pain after meals, bloating, jaundice, or fever. These could mean something more serious. Don't ignore pain that keeps coming back. Getting medical help early can make a big difference in keeping your health good for a long time.

FAQs on Gallstones

Q: Where does the pain from gallstones come from?
Ans: The pain from gallstones usually occurs on the upper right side of your belly, just below your ribs. It can also go up to your back or right shoulder.

Q: Do women have different symptoms?
Ans: Yes, women are more likely to develop gallstones because of two important female hormones: estrogen and progesterone. Estrogen raises the cholesterol level in bile, and progesterone slows down the gallbladder emptying. The combination makes women more prone to gallstones, especially during pregnancy, while on birth control, or while taking hormone therapy.

Q: Can I eat rice if I have gallstones?
Ans: Yes, but keep it simple and low in fat. Choose plain, boiled rice instead of fried or creamy rice. Pair it with veggies high in fibre and lean proteins. Stay away from oily extras that can set off an attack.

Q: Will I pass gallstones naturally?
Ans: However, most gallstones are too large and hard to pass on their own. The small, sludge-like gallstones may pass on their own, but if you're in pain, don't wait. Usually, the only real answer is medical help (and sometimes surgery).

Q: Do gallstones make you feel tired or dizzy?
Ans: Not directly. However, if a gallstone causes a serious blockage or infection, it can lead you to symptoms like tiredness, fever, nausea, and even sepsis. If you feel sick and have stomach pain, don't wait—get checked by doctor.