Gallstones are one of the most common disorders of the digestive system; they can go unnoticed for a long time, but when they do cause symptoms, these are often accompanied by severe and excruciating pain. Gallstones are hardened deposits that form in the gallbladder when the balance of the bile’s components (cholesterol, bilirubin and bile acids) is disrupted.
From Endomedix Gastroenterology Centre Their experts help you recognise the symptoms and take the necessary steps to prevent the condition.
What symptoms might indicate gallstones?
A significant proportion of patients with gallstones (approx. 70–75%) are asymptomatic („silent gallstones”). Symptoms only occur when a stone moves and blocks the bile duct.
The most characteristic symptom: biliary colic
- Severe pain: Sudden, cramp-like pain under the right rib cage or in the pit of the stomach.
- Radiation: The pain often radiates into the back, towards the right shoulder blade or into the right shoulder.
- Duration: It can last from 30 minutes to several hours.
- Accompanying symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, bloating, sweating.
Signs of serious complications
You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:
- Fever and chills: It may indicate inflammation of the gallbladder or bile duct.
- Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes, dark urine and pale stools (a sign of bile duct obstruction).
- Belt-like pain: Extremely severe pain radiating into the back may be a sign of pancreatitis.
Risk factors: Who is most at risk?
Certain factors significantly increase the likelihood of gallstones forming:
- Gender and age: It is more common in women (particularly those over 40) due to hormonal factors (oestrogen).
- Being overweight and drastic weight loss: Both obesity and sudden weight loss (e.g. starvation) increase the risk.
- Lifestyle: A diet high in fat and cholesterol and low in fibre.
- Underlying medical conditions: Diabetes, insulin resistance or Crohn’s disease.
Diagnosis and treatment
At Endomedix, we use state-of-the-art equipment to help establish an accurate diagnosis:
- Abdominal ultrasound: The most important, pain-free basic examination, which detects stones with a high degree of accuracy.
- Laboratory tests: To monitor liver and bile function, as well as inflammatory markers.
- Treatment: * In the case of asymptomatic stones Usually, only monitoring and a diet are required.
- In the event of a complaint the definitive treatment is the surgical removal of the gallbladder (laparoscopic cholecystectomy), which involves minimal intervention.
5 golden rules for prevention
Although your genetic make-up is fixed, you can do a great deal to support the health of your liver and gallbladder through your lifestyle:
- A diet rich in fibre: Eat plenty of vegetables, fruit and whole grains.
- Healthy fats: Olive oil or oilseeds help to ensure regular emptying of the gallbladder.
- Avoid fasting: Eating regular meals prevents bile from becoming too thick.
- Gradual weight loss: Avoid crash diets; gradual weight loss is safer for the gallbladder.
- Move: Regular physical activity improves metabolism and helps with weight management.
