| Many people are afflicted with gallstones whether | | | | treatment may include the use of drugs to |
| they realize they have them or not. What are | | | | dissolve stones and the breaking up of the stones |
| gallstones? They are hardened masses that may | | | | by laser technique. Surgery may still be required in |
| vary in size, usually consisting mainly of cholesterol | | | | some cases. |
| and bile. They may be caused by a variety of | | | | I found that I had gallstones quite accidentally |
| conditions such as infection, too much fat in the | | | | after being hospitalized for pneumonia. In my |
| diet, anemia, liver disease, obesity, diabetes and | | | | case, I had no symptoms and so I was unaware |
| even pregnancy. People that are overweight | | | | that I had gallstones. They never caused any pain, |
| seem to be more prone to gallstones as are | | | | nausea or other symptoms that would have |
| women who have had two or more pregnancies. | | | | indicated their presence. As you can see, the |
| Although it is not known why, women in general | | | | absence of symptoms doesn't mean that |
| seem to have a higher incidence of gallstones | | | | gallstones aren't present. |
| than men. Symptoms usually include pain or | | | | If you do have any of the symptoms described |
| discomfort in the abdomen as well as nausea and | | | | or experience pain or discomfort after eating, you |
| indigestion. But many people that have gallstones | | | | may suspect that you could have gallstones. If |
| have no symptoms at all. Often people do not | | | | you have any reason to believe that may be the |
| know they have gallstones until they have a | | | | case you should contact your physician |
| gallbladder attack. | | | | immediately for early detection rather than |
| An attack can occur when a stone lodges in the | | | | waiting until a severe gallbladder attack occurs. |
| bile duct. This can cause sharp pain on the right | | | | Once detection of gallstones is confirmed your |
| side of the abdomen that may travel to the back | | | | physician can recommend surgery or the |
| and shoulder blade. Symptoms may also include | | | | appropriate course of action. The early detection |
| fever, chills, vomiting and even jaundice, which is a | | | | of the presence of gallstones can prevent the |
| yellowish discoloration of the skin and eyes due to | | | | future pain of gallbladder attacks as well as any |
| accumulation of bile in the blood. | | | | complications that could arise due to a lodged |
| A stone that becomes lodged could cause serious | | | | stone. Sometimes what you don't know can hurt |
| complications. Surgical removal of the gallbladder | | | | you. |
| may become necessary. Other methods of | | | | |