How do I know if I have gallstones
Gallstones are hard crystals that form in the gallbladder, causing discomfort when they increase in size and cause a blockage. This type of stone, although it can be experienced by both sexes, is more common in women over 40 years of age. Some signs can indicate if you have gallstones, so on OneHowTo.com we detail their symptoms so you can find out how to know if you have gallstones.
Steps to follow:
There are two types of gallstones, those formed by cholesterol, which are the most common type of stones, and gallstones made of bilirubin because of an excess of this substance in the bile. Both require a timely treatment to alleviate the problem. In cases of large gallstones that cause unwelcome blockages, you can resort to surgery to remove it.
Gallstones may be in the gallbladder for a long time without any symptoms. Usually the patient begins to feel the first signs when the stone moves and creates blockages in the bile or cystic ducts, this movement produces one of the main symptoms of gallstones, pain in the right side of the upper and middle abdomen, known as biliary colic.
This may be a constant pain, indicating that there is a blockage, or come as a sort of cramp. Sometimes it may cease and not reappear, possibly indicating that the gallstones have advanced into the duodenum.
The pain from gallstones may also occur as a sharp pain just below the right shoulder blade. Often, the pain will be most severe upon breathing in, and especially right after a large meal.
Another symptom of gallstones is fever and yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes. Nausea and vomiting may also be signs of this condition.
People who suffer from diabetes, who have had a bone marrow or organ transplant, have liver cirrhosis, gallbladder insufficiency, haemolytic anaemia, accelerated weight loss from a low calorie diet or have undergone bariatric surgery are more likely to develop gallstones.
If you suspect you have gallstones is recommended that you immediately consult a doctor for a complete check-up.
This article is merely informative, oneHOWTO does not have the authority to prescribe any medical treatments or create a diagnosis. We invite you to visit your doctor if you have any type of condition or pain.
If you want to read similar articles to How do I know if I have gallstones, we recommend you visit our Diseases & secondary effects category.
