Gallstones are a condition whose symptoms are greatly influenced by their location. Gallstones may not cause any symptoms at all. However, if they are located in a different location, they can cause severe pain that can interfere with daily activities. Let's discuss this further.
Bile is a fluid produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder. Bile plays a crucial role in fat metabolism and the absorption of vitamins A, D, E, and K. It also helps remove waste products from the body and neutralizes stomach acid. Bile plays a crucial role in the digestive system. When its function is disrupted, the body's metabolism, particularly in the digestive tract, can be disrupted.
Causes of gallstones
In general, gallstones can form if the gallbladder works too hard so that it is not sufficient to carry out the metabolic process or its excretion is not optimal.
Too much fat
Bile plays a crucial role in cholesterol metabolism. When there's too much cholesterol to metabolize but not enough bile salts, the unmetabolized cholesterol precipitates, leading to the formation of gallstones.
Too much bilirubin
Bilirubin is formed from the breakdown of red blood cells. If too much bilirubin is produced and there isn't enough bile to process it, gallstones can form.
Gallbladder emptying is not optimal
Bile should be released from the gallbladder regularly. However, in certain circumstances where the gallbladder isn't emptying optimally, it can lead to a buildup of bile, which becomes more concentrated and forms stones.
Other conditions
There are several other factors that can trigger the formation of gallstones, such as gender, where women tend to be at greater risk of experiencing gallstones, advanced age, obesity, high-fat foods and genetic factors.
What are the symptoms?
A person with gallstones may experience no symptoms at all, even if the stones are large or numerous. This can occur if gallstones form in the gallbladder. The relatively elastic and hollow nature of the gallbladder can compensate for the conditions under which gallstones form.
Even if they are large and numerous, if this condition persists, they can put pressure on the gallbladder wall, causing symptoms. Conversely, if gallstones are found in the bile duct, even small ones can cause significant symptoms. The bile duct is shaped like a relatively rigid tube. Therefore, when gallstones are present, they can stretch the walls of the bile duct, causing severe pain.
A fairly common symptom is sharp, sudden pain in the upper right side of the abdomen. The pain can radiate to the back and right shoulder. The pain usually occurs after eating, especially when consuming high-fat foods. In addition to abdominal pain, people with gallstones may experience nausea, vomiting, and other digestive issues. It may also be accompanied by a change in urine color, becoming darker and stools becoming lighter.
Gallstones accompanied by inflammation can also cause high fever and chills. Furthermore, over a long period of time, the buildup of bilirubin can also cause signs such as yellowing of the skin and eyes, or jaundice. If you have risk factors or are already experiencing the typical symptoms mentioned above, it is crucial to consult a doctor for a thorough examination, clinical evaluation, and appropriate management to prevent potential complications. Written by Dr. Valda Garcia. Reviewed by Dr. Ernest Eugene.
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