Guide on GallBladder stone: Types, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

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Guide on GallBladder stone: Types, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

  • November 9, 2020

  • 5398 Views

The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ, located at the upper right part of the abdomen below the liver. The gallbladder stores the yellow-colored liquid ‘bile juice’ which is important for digestion. 

Types of Gallbladder Stones

  • Cholesterol stones

These are green in color and the most common one. If there is an excessive concentration of bile in the gallbladder then leads to cholesterol stones in yellow color. 

  • Pigment stones

Pigment stones are dark and small in color which is formed of bilirubin. It comes from the bile the liver produced and the gallbladder stores it. 

Gall Bladder Stone Symptoms

Around 75% of patients do not show any signs and symptoms. If the symptoms cannot be seen then it may be stuck in the duct. Due to this, there is an issue of blockage. The person can experience given-below symptoms. 

  • Sudden acute pain in the upper right side of the abdomen
  • Burping
  • Diarrhea
  • Back pain between the shoulder blades
  • Pain in the right shoulder
  • Nausea/vomiting
  • Dark urine
  • Indigestion/acidity

How is gallbladder stone diagnosed?

  • Physical Examination

The doctor will check your skin and eyes to see any change which can indicate that you have jaundice. 

  • Ultrasound

Imaging methods can help to see the gallstone or any type of abnormality. 

  • Abdominal CT Scan

The imaging test can help you get images of the abdominal area and liver. 

  • Blood Tests

Bilirubin must be tested and then the liver functioning. 

  • Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)

During this method, a camera and X-rays are used to determine the issues in the bile pancreatic duct.                

How Are Gallstones Treated?

  • Surgery
  • Non-surgical treatment
  • Shockwave lithotripsy

What food options should you eat?

  • Dark, leafy greens
  • Tomatoes
  • Sardines
  • Nuts
  • Beans
  • Bell peppers
  • Citrus fruits 
  • Milk
  • Low-fat dairy
  • Fish and shellfish
  • Tofu
  • Lentils