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