The gallbladder is a small pouch that sits just under the liver. The gallbladder stores bile produced by the liver that helps digest fast. Typically the gallbladder does not cause too many issues and isn’t a cause of much concern. if ever something blocks or slows down the flow of bile from the organ, many problems can arise. And one of the common ones is Gallstones.
Formation & Causes Of Gallstones
Gallstones also are known by the term Cholelithiasis. This is a condition in which small stones or sometimes larger ones can form inside the gallbladder. These stones develop from substances found in bile that includes cholesterol and pigment that is called bilirubin. Gallstones may cause pain that is known as biliary colic, but in most cases, people with the same show no symptoms as such. The above term, Biliary Colic is often used to explain the severe and critical episodes of pain that appear when a gallstone blocks the flow of bile to the small intestine. The episodes usually last one to five hours, with mild pain lingering for up to 24 hours.
They are specifically common when consuming large and fatty meals. Gallstones can also cause inflammation of the gallbladder medically known as Cholecystitis. Irritation by the gallstones causes the gallbladder walls to become swollen and excruciatingly painful. In this time of inflammation, fever is not unusual. Suspected episodes of inflamed gallbladder always require medical treatment particularly if you have a fever.
Gallstone Symptoms
So if you experience any set of symptoms of gallstones that we mention below, it’s time to rush to your doctor for medical assessment and consultation.
1. Abdominal Pain
The most common and realizing tipoff that you might have Gallstones can be Abdominal pain that comes and goes especially after consumption of fatty meals. The pain that is experienced due to gallstone is described as an intense, dull discomfort located in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen. When the gallbladder contracts in response to consuming or other normal stimuli, it tries to force out the stone out of the bile juice keeper in the process that in turn causes pesky pain that might last from a few minutes to a few hours. Frequent episodes of pain in the abdomen or severe pain or simply pain about other symptoms along with calls for a check-up. However, there have been cases that the pain does not occur often and is not specifically disruptive, and hence many patients might elect to not have gallbladder surgery.
2. Nauseating & Vomiting
If the stone gets stuck in one of your ducts that functions to keep your digestive enzymes flowing that might cause swelling and worsening of pain and along with this, nausea and vomiting are likely to make an occurrence. If you go through unexplained nausea and vomiting unless it’s a symptom of pregnancy, it is worth consulting a doctor.
3. Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is a disease in which your pancreas becomes inflamed. So if you develop an inflammation of the pancreas you should certainly check for gallstones. If the same exists in your gallbladder and gets stuck in the pancreatic duct it can also cause inflammation and abdominal pain. Pancreatitis symptoms might include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, rapid pulse, and fever.
4. Jaundice
Jaundice can be symptomatic of liver trouble that manifests as a yellowing of the skin as well as whites of the eyes along with dark-colored urine and pale-colored stools. While Jaundice is common in newborns it is also an indication of a gallbladder problem in adults. Jaundice occurs when the duct is obstructed. That blockage can cause bile to collect up in the organ and hence, lead to an increasing concentration of bilirubin.
5. Fever and Chills
A fever, chills, and rapid heartbeat when integrated with abdominal pain that stays forever, might indicate that gallbladder outflow is entirely blocked and has caused an infection. If ignored, the latter can be life-threatening. So it is really necessary to seek a quick medical assessment if you feel the above indication.
6. Pale Poop, Dark Pee
As mentioned above the yellow substance called bilirubin during the digestive process is what indeed makes your pee yellow And the stool pale. If regardless of being hydrated and having no signs of urinary infection, light-colored poop could be a sign of a bile duct obstruction. So if you go through any of the gallstone symptoms mentioned above, never take it lightly. Your life is precious, a small act of reluctance can cause you a life.