Fewer than half the number of people who actually have gallstones even experience symptoms.
Patients will usually experience recurring episodes of biliary colic after their first time experiencing the pain. In addition, biliary colic often occurs and then goes away. You may only feel this pain several times per year. This symptom can be easy to confuse with other digestive or abdominal pains. If you think you suffer from biliary colic, make an appointment to see your doctor.
In some patients, minor biliary colic, without signs of infection, can be tolerated without medical intervention.
You may experience pain between your shoulder blades and in your right shoulder specifically. [5] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Infection develops in about 20 percent of patients, with a higher rate for diabetes patients. Infection can lead to gangrene and perforation of the gallbladder. Jaundice can also accompany fever. Jaundice can present with yellowing of the whites of the eyes (sclera) and skin.
Women who take hormone replacement therapy pills experience an increase in risk of gallstones due to the estrogen. Hormone therapy can double or triple your risk of developing gallstones. Similarly, the birth control pill can also contribute to gallstone formation because of its effect on women’s hormones.
Seek a doctor’s opinion immediately if you suspect biliary colic or gallbladder inflammation. Gallstones may disappear after the pregnancy without surgery or medicine.
Family history may also matter. Having a family member with gallstones may indicate you have a higher risk. [12] X Expert Source Muhammad Khan, MD, MPHBoard Certified Gastroenterologist Expert Interview. 24 August 2021. However, studies are not yet conclusive regarding this risk factor.
Individuals with diabetes are also at a high risk of developing both gallstones and gallbladder disease, without stones. This is likely due to weight and obesity. [14] X Research source
In addition, diets that contain high levels of fat as well as cholesterol can be the basis for the formation of cholesterol gallstones (the most common type of gallstone that appears yellow). [18] X Research source Domino, F. (n. d. ). The 5-minute clinical consult standard 2015 (23rd ed. ) [19] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source If you are inactive and lead a sedentary lifestyle, you are at higher risk for gallstones. [20] X Expert Source Muhammad Khan, MD, MPHBoard Certified Gastroenterologist Expert Interview. 24 August 2021.
This test can detect gallstones in approximately 97% to 98% of individuals. [23] X Research source Domino, F. (n. d. ). The 5-minute clinical consult standard 2015 (23rd ed. ) The ultrasound procedure consists of a harmless machine that recreates an image of your gallbladder by reflecting inaudible sound waves against your body. Your ultrasound technician will apply a gel to your abdomen that will help the sound waves to travel through your body and be detected more accurately. This painless procedure is usually completed within 15-30 minutes. You should not eat for 6 or more hours before the test.
You will be asked to lie down in a cylindrical, donut-shaped machine that will scan your body for approximately 30 minutes. The procedure is relatively quick and will not be painful. In some cases, the doctor may prefer to use a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine, rather than a CT scanner. This type of imaging involves a similar setup and will use changes in magnetic fluctuations to create an accurate image of your internal organs. This procedure may last up to an hour, and will involve you lying down inside a cylindrical scanning device. There is no advantage of a CT over an ultrasound, except that a CT may distinguish a stone in the common bile duct, the small tube that carries bile from the gallbladder to the intestine. [25] X Research source Domino, F. (n. d. ). The 5-minute clinical consult standard 2015 (23rd ed. )
This blood test is a standard blood test. Your healthcare provider or a technician will utilize a small needle to draw blood from your veins into small vials that will be analyzed by a lab for the doctor’s requested information. Leukocytosis and elevated C-reactive protein are indicators that are associated with acute cholecystitis, an inflammation of the gallbladder that could be caused by gallstones. Your doctor may check these levels as well as the standard panel of electrolytes and complete blood count analysis. [27] X Research source Domino, F. (n. d. ). The 5-minute clinical consult standard 2015 (23rd ed. )
Let your doctor know all your medications, especially if you are taking insulin, aspirin, blood pressure pills, coumadin, heparin. These medications can affect bleeding during certain procedures, and you may be asked to adjust your medication routine. Due to the invasive nature of the procedure, you’ll receive medication that may make you drowsy, and it is advised that you have someone who can accompany you or take you home after the procedure.
This test can be requested at the time of a blood test to provide further evidence of suspected gallstones. Your doctor will check your bilirubin levels, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) levels, and alkaline phosphatase levels. [30] X Research source If these levels are elevated, you may have gallstones or another issue with your gallbladder.
Losing weight slowly but steadily can lower the risk of gallstones.
Instead, choose monosaturated fats. These fats increase your level of “good cholesterol,” which can reduce your risk of developing gallstones. Choose olive and canola oils over saturated animal fats like butter and lard. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in canola, flaxseed, and fish oil, may also help lower the risk of gallstones. [34] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Nuts are also healthy fats, and some research suggests that you may be able to reduce your risk of developing gallstones by eating peanuts and tree nuts, like walnuts and almonds.
However, you can also consider taking fiber supplements, like flaxmeal. For a quick fix, combine one heaping teaspoon of flaxmeal in a glass of apple juice (eight ounces).
Some research has suggested an association between high carbohydrate intake and increased incidence of gallstones. This is because carbohydrates are converted to sugar in the body. [36] X Research source
The caffeine found in coffee stimulates gallbladder contractions and lowers cholesterol in bile. However, other caffeinated beverages, like tea and soda, do not appear to have the same effect, according to the research. [37] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Studies have found that drinking even one ounce of alcohol a day can reduce the risk of gallstones in some people by 20%.
