Gallstones

What are Gallstones?

Gallstones are hard deposits in the gallbladder which can get stuck in the bile ducts. The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ located just beneath the liver. It processes bile, which helps the body to digest fats.

Gallstones form when bile does not process cholesterol and other undigested substances in your gallbladder which cause them to harden and block bile ducts. Gallstones could be a sign of excess toxins in your system, and that your gallbladder is not functioning properly.

Gallstones can block the ducts that transport the bile from the gallbladder to the intestines, causing inflammation and pain. Abnormally high levels of bilirubin in the gallbladder is another reason for the formation of gallstones. 

What are the different types of Gallstone?

The types of gallstone that may form in your gallbladder include:

• Cholesterol Gallstones: The most common type of Gallstones. It often appears yellow in colour, and mainly consist of undissolved cholesterol but may contain other components.
• Pigment Gallstones: These dark brown or black coloured Gallstones form when there is too much bilirubin in your bile. 

What are the symptoms of Gallstones?

Gallstones may cause no signs and symptoms. If a gallstone gets lodge in a duct and causes a blockage, some symptoms you may experience include:

• Back pain between the shoulder blades or in the right shoulder
• Nausea and vomiting
• Pain in your right shoulder
• Sudden, intense pain in the upper right abdomen or below the breastbone

Gallstone pains may last several minutes to a few hours. People who experience symptoms of Gallstone usually require gallbladder removal surgery. 

What are causes of Gallstones?

Gallstones may be caused by:

• High levels of cholesterol in your bile: Your bile typically contain enough chemicals to dissolve the cholesterol excreted by your liver. However, if your liver excretes more cholesterol than your bile can dissolve, the excess cholesterol may crystalise and form stones. 
• High levels of bilirubin in your bile: Bilirubin is produced when your body breaks down red blood cells. Certain conditions like liver cirrhosis and biliary tract infection may cause your liver to produce too much bilirubin which contributes to gallstone formation. 
• Your gallbladder doesn't empty properly: If your gallbladder is unable to empty itself completely or often enough, bile may become concentrated, resulting in gallstone formation. 

What are the risk factors of Gallstones?

Some factors that may increase your risk of gallstones include:

• Being female
• Being aged 40 or older
• Being overweight or obese
• Living a sedentary lifestyle
• Eating a high-fat, high-cholesterol, low-fiber diet
• Having diabetes
• Being pregnant
• Having liver disease

How are Gallstones diagnosed?

Blood Test
A complete blood count blood test will be done to check for white blood cell increase due to infection. 

Imaging Tests
Abdominal imaging tests are done with ultrasound or CT scan to check for inflammation, tumours or abscesses.