What causes gallstones? Symptoms and how to get rid of them.

When it comes to tiny troublemakers in your body, gallstones know how to steal the show! These pesky little formations can cause you a whole lot of discomfort, and most people have them without even noticing.

No need to panic or worry! We’re here to help you better understand the whats, hows, and what-nots of gallstones. From how they form and what symptoms to look out for to how they’re treated, we’re breaking it all down for you in this article. Grab your metaphorical magnifying glass and let’s dive into the world of gallbladder stones!

What are Gallstones?

Gallstones, or gallbladder stones, are small, hardened deposits forming inside your gallbladder, which is a tiny pear-shaped organ located just beneath your liver. The gallbladder plays a crucial role in digesting fats by storing bile, a digestive juice produced by the liver. Now, when the bile becomes unbalanced, gallstones can form. These stones can be as small as a grain or as big as a golf ball.

Gallstones Causes

Gallstones develop when there’s an imbalance in the substances that make up the bile. But let’s break it down - 

• Excess cholesterol in bile: Cholesterol is good in moderation, but when there’s too much in the bile, it can solidify into stones.
• Excess bilirubin: This substance is created when red blood cells break down. Liver diseases or blood disorders can lead to too much bilirubin production, contributing to gallstone formation.
• Gallbladder dysfunction: If your gallbladder doesn’t empty completely or often enough, the bile can become overly concentrated, leading to gallbladder stones.

Interesting Fact! Not everyone with gallstones experiences symptoms. Many people have them without even realizing it! Talk about silent but (sometimes) painful! 

Types of Gallstones

Before we divulge the gallstones symptoms, let’s talk about types. Gallstones come in two main types - 

Cholesterol Gallstones

Their composition is primarily made of cholesterol and is the most common, accounting for about 80% of gallstones. The formation of cholesterol gallstones is often linked to high cholesterol levels in the bile, obesity, a high-fat diet, certain genetic factors, and gallbladder motility issues.

Pigment Gallstones

They’re made of bilirubin (a substance produced from the breakdown of red blood cells) and are less common than cholesterol gallstones. Their formation is often associated with conditions that cause an increased breakdown of red blood cells, such as liver cirrhosis, biliary tract infections, and certain blood disorders like sickle cell anemia.

Gallstones Symptoms: What to Look Out For

According to studies, 50 to 70% of people have asymptomatic gallstones, meaning they’re symptom-free and therefore do not seek treatment.  But… if symptoms such as cramp-like abdominal pain (colic) do develop, the question you should ask yourself is - “Is it enough to only treat the symptoms, or will I need to resort to treatments like surgery?”

So, how do you know if these troublemakers are hanging out in your gallbladder? While some people are lucky enough to remain symptom-free, others aren’t as fortunate. These are the gallstone symptoms to watch for - 

• Sharp Pain: Sudden and intense pain in the upper right portion of your abdomen, often radiating to the shoulder and back.
• Nausea and vomiting: Persistent nausea, sometimes accompanied by vomiting, especially after indulging in a fatty meal.
• Bloating and indigestion after meals.
• Fever and chills: In some cases, infection may occur, leading to shivers and fever.
• Jaundice: a yellowing of the skin and eyes, caused by the buildup of bilirubin in the blood.

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s time to take action and start thinking about gallstones treatment.

Gallstones Risk Factors

Gallstones can affect anyone between the ages of 20 and 60. Some factors make certain people more susceptible. Understanding these risk factors can help you take steps to prevent the formation of gallbladder stones.

• Obesity and Rapid Weight Loss. Being overweight increases your cholesterol levels, which can lead to the formation of gallstones. On the flip side, losing weight too quickly can also raise the risk as it alters the balance of bile.
• Age and Gender. As we age, the likelihood of developing gallstones increases. Women, especially those over 40, are more prone to gallbladder stones due to hormonal changes like elevated estrogen levels during pregnancy or when using birth control.
• Diet. High-cholesterol, low-fiber diets can increase your risk. Consuming large amounts of fatty foods leads to excess cholesterol in bile, which can solidify into gallstones.
• Family History. A family history of gallbladder stones raises your chances of developing them yourself. Genetics may play a role in how your body processes bile and cholesterol.
• Medical Conditions. People with diabetes, liver disease, or conditions affecting red blood cell breakdown (like sickle cell anemia) are more prone to gallstones due to the production of excess bilirubin and cholesterol.

How are Gallstones Diagnosed?

Often, asymptomatic people would simply ignore the potential decline of their gallbladder health and go on with their daily lives. However, it’s preferable and highly advised for people after 30 to undertake periodic health checks to ensure not only your gallbladder’s health but your overall one.

To determine whether you have gallstones (or not), the following tests are recommended - 

1. Ultrasound: The most common and non-invasive method for detecting gallstones.
2. CT Scan:  A detailed scan providing cross-sectional imaging of the gallbladder.
3. Endoscopic Ultrasound: an advanced test that detects smaller stones more accurately.

Gallbladder Stones Treatment: What are Your Options?

Here is the good news - gallstones can be treated! Depending on the severity and frequency of your symptoms, you have 2 main treatment options - 

Non-Surgical Gallstones Treatment

In cases where gallstones do not cause symptoms, treatment may not be immediately necessary. However, considering 70% of people have asymptomatic gallstones, meaning they are there and need to be eliminated despite the lack of symptoms, your non-surgical treatment options include - 

• Medication: Some medications can dissolve cholesterol gallstones over time, but this approach works best for small stones and can take months or even years. Also, they may not be a permanent solution since stones can re-form. 
• Lithotripsy: Shockwave therapy, which costs from € 2,000 up to €10,000, is used to break up gallbladder stones into smaller pieces that can be passed more easily.
• Holistic approach: Certain natural remedies are specifically designed to help the easy passage and expulsion of gallstones without invasive procedures or harsh medication.

Surgical Gallstones Treatment

Surgery is the most common and widely spread treatment for symptomatic gallstones. According to recent data, “gallbladder surgeries are among the most common operations in Germany, with about 170,000 women and men operated on every year due to gallstones”. The 2 main types of surgical treatment are - 

• Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A minimally invasive procedure resulting in complete gallbladder removal through small incisions. 
• Open Cholecystectomy: In rare cases, open surgery may be necessary, requiring a larger incision to remove the gallbladder. 
• Methyl-tert-butyl ether. A solution is injected into the gallbladder to dissolve stones. By the way, can you even pronounce this treatment? I sure stutter a bit!

Both procedures are not only quite pricey but also require weeks of recovery time.

How to Prevent Gallstones: Easy Tips to Keep Your Gallbladder Happy

Do you want to avoid these tiny - and occasionally not-so-tiny - mischief-makers in the first place? Here are some easy lifestyle changes you can make to lower your risk of developing gallstones - 

• Maintain a healthy weight. Obesity is a major risk factor for gallbladder stones, so keeping your weight in check will help. Trust me, I love my chilly fries, juicy burgers, croissants, and fizzy drinks, but they are harmful to... well, everything in my body.
• Eat a balanced diet. Diets rich in fiber and healthy fats (think fish, nuts, and olive oil) will help prevent gallstones. Steer clear of crash diets!
• Stay hydrated. Drinking enough water is essential for good digestive health and bile production. And, do you have any idea how well your skin will look as well?
• Exercise regularly. Physical activity helps you maintain a healthy weight and reduces the risk of stone formation.

Quick Tip. If you’re trying to lose weight, avoid rapid weight loss. Shedding kilos too quickly can lead to gallstones!

Gallstones vs Kidney Stones: Don’t Mix Them Up!

While gallbladder stones and kidney stones sound similar, they are entirely different. Gallstones form in your gallbladder from bile components, while kidney stones form in your kidneys from minerals like calcium. Both can cause pain, but they’re managed and treated differently!

Gallstones FAQs: Your Questions, Answered!

Statistics show that 87.6% of people underestimate the first signs of gallstones. And with asymptomatic gallstones in the picture, it’s even harder to notice them at all. 

More often than not, we are left pondering a multitude of questions with confusing or insufficient answers. We’ve decided to summarize 5 of the most frequently head-scratching questions asked by people with gallstones.

Q: Can I live without my gallbladder?

A: Absolutely! While your body will need to adjust a little, most people live normal lives without a gallbladder. The liver takes over by delivering bile directly to the intestine.

Q: Can gallstones come back after treatment?

A: If you’ve had your gallbladder removed, stones won’t return. However, if you’re taking medication to dissolve the stones, they could form again after treatment. Here’s the interesting part: by using a holistic approach, compared to medication, you’ll not only spare your gallbladder (and overall) health but also face a lower risk of gallstone recurrence.   

Q: What foods should I avoid if I have gallstones?

A: Fatty, fried, and greasy foods (basically, most of the world’s favorites) can trigger gallstone formation and symptoms. Focus on high-fiber foods and healthy fats.

Q: Can gallstones be life-threatening?

A: In rare cases, untreated gallbladder stones can cause complications like inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis), infection, or blockage of bile ducts, which can become life-threatening if not treated.

Q: How quickly will I see results with a holistic treatment?

A: Many people who’ve chosen natural remedies as a gallstones treatment have seen results within the first three days of usage.

Take Care of your Gallbladder!

Now that you’ve got the lowdown on gallstones, you’re better equipped to keep your gallbladder in check! 

Whether you're simply curious or you’re experiencing gallstone symptoms, it’s important to know what causes gallbladder stones and the treatments available. By taking steps to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle, you can reduce your chances of encountering these pesky stones in the future.

So, stay informed, stay healthy, and don’t let these tiny troublemakers cramp your style!