Gallstones are solid crystals that form in the
gallbladder or nearby bile ducts.
The gallbladder is a storage container for bile, a
caustic liquid that helps break down fat in the diet.
Causes
Gallstones are a common gallbladder problem.
Gallstones occur when the liver excretes bile that is
excessively rich in cholesterol.
Gallstones have several different causes, some better
understood than others. An overload of cholesterol or
bilirubin in the bile can definitely contribute to
stone formation and infection with certain bacteria
have all been identified as potential causes of
gallstones.
Symptoms
In many cases, gallstones are so small that they cause
no symptoms. In the majority
of cases, especially when the gallstones remain in the
gallbladder, these stones cause no symptoms. As long
as bile can continue to flow through its duct system,
gallstones pose little danger. It is only when the
gallstones cause obstructions or erode the gallbladder
wall that they cause severe symptoms.
Signs and symptoms of indigestion may include nausea,
gas, bloating and sometimes abdominal pain. These
signs and symptoms may occur or be made worse after
you eat high-fat foods.
Gallstones
that cause no symptoms require no treatment. If you
have had just one gallstone attack or have occasional
mild attacks, your doctor may recommend following a
low-fat, high fiber diet to prevent further episodes.
Surgery to
remove the gallbladder is the most common way to treat
symptomatic gallstones.
Treatment
