What are bile stones?
bile stones are the accumulation of cholesterol and other substances found in the bile, which occasionally block the pipes connecting the gallbladder and the small intestine. Gallstone can be as small as a grain of sand or as large as a golf ball. Many gallstones do not cause problems; Only 1-2% of people with gallstones develop disease. A person can develop a single bile stone or several.
The bile is produced by the liver and is used to digest fat. When too much cholesterol accumulates in the bile or the gallbladder does not work properly, crystals or bile stones can be created. Symptoms of gallstones include stomach pain or just below the ribs. Pain can often make breathing or comfort. Pain sometimes occurs after eating, it may take several hours and can even awaken a person out of sleep.
When a stone block blocks a pipe that drains the gallbladder, other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting and fever in addition to pain. Some patients must have surgeryto remove the gallbladder. Bile stones can sometimes cause additional condition, pancreatitis that blocks the flow of digestive enzymes produced by the pancreas. In this case, symptoms are similar: severe pain, loss of appetite, fever, nausea and vomiting.
among those threatened with bile stones, are women, people over 55 years, those who are overweight or have a high body weight and people who lose weight quickly. Also, people of an indigenous American or Hispanic descent, along with those who get into a small exercise or quickly, are at risk. Others with increased risk of gallstones increased triglycerides, bowel disease or family members with the history of bile stones.
pregnant women and women using estrogen or high -dose contraceptive pills can also be endangered by the development of gallstones. Suffering from cirrhosis or sickle cells and people who take cholesteRol-loling products may have an increased risk of gallstones. Anyone who experiences severe abdominal pain should see a doctor. People who are over 60 years of age or have a heart, diabetes or a disturbed immune system should seek immediate medical attention.
ultrasound and scanning are used to diagnose gallstones. Drugs are not commonly used to treat gallstones, but may be necessary for patients who cannot withstand surgery. When the gallbladder is removed, the symptoms usually do not return.
To avoid gallstones, maintain a healthy weight, ate a balanced diet and got regularly. Also avoid the rapid weight loss and subsequent weight gain to reduce the risk of gallstones.