Need to Know About Gallstones

Need to Know About Gallstones

Gallstones are small, solid deposits that form in the gallbladder—a small, pear-shaped organ located just beneath the liver. They can range from the size of a grain of sand to a golf ball and may cause no symptoms at all or trigger severe abdominal pain.

What Are Gallstones?

Gallstones form when substances in bile—mainly cholesterol, bile salts, and bilirubin—become imbalanced. When cholesterol or bilirubin levels rise too high, they can crystallise and harden into stones.

There are two main types

Cholesterol stones: The most common type, formed when bile contains too much cholesterol.

Pigment stones: Made of bilirubin, more common in people with liver disease or blood disorders.

Causes and Risk Factors

Gallstones develop from a mix of genetic, dietary, and metabolic factors. Common risk factors include

Being female (estrogen increases cholesterol in bile)

Age over 40

Obesity or rapid weight loss

High-fat, low-fibre diet

Pregnancy or hormone therapy

Diabetes

Family history of gallstones

Symptoms

Some people never know they have gallstones (“silent stones”). But when a stone blocks the bile duct, it can cause

Sudden, intense pain in the upper right or middle abdomen

Pain that radiates to the right shoulder or back

Nausea or vomiting

Bloating, indigestion, or gas

Jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes) occurs if the bile duct is blocked

These attacks often occur after eating a fatty meal and can last from minutes to hours.

Complications

Untreated gallstones can lead to serious issues, such as

Cholecystitis: Inflammation of the gallbladder

Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas

Bile duct infection or blockage

Gallbladder rupture (rare but life-threatening)

Diagnosis

Doctors use several tests to confirm gallstones

Ultrasound: The most common and accurate test

CT scan or MRI: For more detailed imaging

Blood tests: To check for infection or liver problems

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on symptoms and severity

No symptoms (silent stones): Often just monitored

Symptomatic stones

Surgery (cholecystectomy): The standard treatment—removal of the gallbladder, often done laparoscopically.

Medication: Ursodeoxycholic acid can dissolve small cholesterol stones, but it works slowly and isn’t suitable for everyone.

Endoscopic removal: For stones lodged in the bile duct.

You can live a normal life without a gallbladder; bile flows directly from the liver into the small intestine.

Prevention

You can reduce your risk of gallstones with lifestyle changes

Maintain a healthy weight, but avoid crash diets

Eat a balanced diet rich in fiber, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats

Exercise regularly

Stay hydrated

Avoid skipping meals

Takeaway

Gallstones are common but manageable. Many people live symptom-free, while others may need surgical treatment. Early diagnosis and healthy habits can help prevent complications and protect long-term digestive health.