Most of us are so habituated to fast foods and developed a liking a for unhygienically prepared fried rice, noodles, and other junk foods. These foods play a vital role many abdominal problems. Most of us take in medications, carbonated drinks, for these problems without knowing the real source of the problem. These are only temporary solutions. We just do not care about any of the stomach pain and stomach disorders. But Doctors claim these pain and disorders could be an indication of something big.
It could be an indication of a Gall bladder stone. But, it will not create a big problem in its initial stage. It is only when these stones start to block the passage in gallbladder the real problem starts to take shape. Due to this reason, it is very hard to detect gall bladder stones in its primitive stages. What are these gall bladder stones? and what are the problems associated with it?
What is the job of a Gall Bladder?
The gall bladder is a little organ underneath the liver. It looks like a small pouch. It is here the bile that is secreted by the liver is stored.
When we consume food, this gall bladder will contract itself to release this bile fluid into intestines. Bile fluid reaches the intestines through its passage. Bile fluid helps with digesting fat present in the food we eat.
Who can Get Gall Bladder Stones?
It can happen to anyone. But old age people and women have the high probability of getting Gall bladder stones.
How is it created?
When bile fluid has high-fat content, gall bladder starts to have difficulty with contraction and expansion. Due to this bile fluid is retained inside it, When this happens bile salts will start to reach with bile fluid and form crystals. We call these crystals as gall bladder stones.
What are the types of Gall Bladder Stones?
There are broadly two types of Gall bladder stones. One is Cholesterol Gallstones. It appears yellowish in color. And the other type of Pigment Gallstones. It appears black or dark gray in color. It is made up of calcium carbonate, and calcium biirubinate.
What are the effects of Gall Bladder Stones?
These gall bladder stones will slowly move towards the passage, where the bile fluid travels. So it stops the release of bile fluid. Due to this, bile fluid that is needed for the digestion in intestines will be completely stopped. When this happens the person will start to have digestion problems and severe stomach pain. When this condition continues, it will lead to infection. Rarely it can even lead to cancer.
What is the test?
Gall bladder stones can be detected through ultra sound and CT Scan. These tests will also be carried out to detect the number of stones, inflammation or swelling in the gall bladder if there are any blockages in bile fluid pathway. It is only when it becomes hard to detect the stones, the Doctors will advise for X-rays and MRI scan. Blood test and urine test will be carried out to detect if there are any infections.
What is the reason?
Obesity, over weight, high levels of fat content in food, lack of regular exercise, excess secretion of estrogen hormone, consuming pills to prevent pregnancy for longer duration are some of the major reasons.
Additionally, the bacterial infection in the gall bladder, stagnant bile fluid, blockage in gall bladder also leads to gall stones.
What can be done?
Many studies found, Gall bladder problems are rarely seen in people who predominantly consume vegetarian foods. In particular, people with gall bladder stones, or people who have undergone surgery for gall stones should avoid non-vegetarian foods completely.
Consuming raw vegetables, fruits, and food rich in fiber content will effectively prevent the formation of gall stones.
Deep fried and roasted foods should not be consumed in large quantities. One should also avoid eating foods prepared from refined all purpose flour such as parotta, noodles, pizza, burger, and other junk foods. Smoking and drinking must be stopped.
What is the treatment?
If the gall stones are in its initial stage, then it can be dissolved using medications. If the stones are large, then it should be broken down using a procedure called Lithotripsy and released.
Is there a permanent solution to this problem?
Cholecystectomy or Gallbladder Removal surgery will be the permanent solution to this problem. This involves laparoscopy. The person can get back to his work in one to two days after this surgery. If the gallbladder is in spoiled or rotten condition, then both the gallbladder stones and gall bladder will be removed surgically without laparoscopy procedure.
What are the problems of removing gall bladder?
Bile fluid will directly reach the intestines for people who have surgically removed the gall bladder. Before the removal, it will be stored in the gallbladder and reaches the intestines through its contraction and expansion mechanism. Other than this, there will not be any other problem with digestion of food. So people who in need of gall bladder removal need not worry about it.
What are the Signs of Gallbladder stones?
There will be a severe pain the right side of the upper abdomen. This pain can sometimes continue for hours together. It will not subside with walking, lying or any other body movement. Some people will have vomiting sensation associated with it.
If the gallbladder stones are combined with infection, the person will have severe fever and shivering.
Apart from this, the person will feel hunger less, regular stomach pain, jaundice, vomiting, nausea, urination in dark yellow color, and pain in right side shoulder.