Gall Stones

In the gallbladder or the bile ducts, hard, stone-like masses are called gallstones. Gallstones can grow large enough to obstruct a bile duct, even if they are only a grain of sand in size. 

It is possible to develop gallstones, which are hardened deposits of digestive fluid, in the gallbladder. On the right side of your abdomen, beneath your liver, you’ll find your gallbladder, a small, pear-shaped organ. Bile is released into the small intestine by the gallbladder, which stores this fluid. 

From the size of sand grains to golf balls, gallstones come in all shapes and sizes. The number of gallstones in a person’s gallbladder varies greatly from one person to the next. 

Gallstones usually necessitate surgery to remove the gallbladder for those who are experiencing symptoms. The majority of the time, gallstones that don’t cause any symptoms don’t need to be treated. 

What exactly are gallstones and what do they do? 

Bile is stored in the gallbladder and released into the small intestine when necessary. According to their location, gallstones are able to grow to be as huge as an entire golf ball in diameter. When it comes to gallstones, some people only have one at a time, while others have multiple at the same time. 

 Symptoms 

Gallstones can go undetected for years. Some of the signs and symptoms of gallstone blockage in the duct include: 

• Sudden and rapid onset of abdominal pain in the upper right portion of your torso. 
• Sudden and fast-increasing abdominal pain just below your breastbone 
• Pain in the upper back that radiates to the shoulders 
• Right shoulder pain 
• Vomiting or feeling queasy 

Anguish from gallstones can last anywhere from a few minutes to a few days. 

 

When should you see a Physician? 

Make an appointment with your doctor if you notice any symptoms or signs that concern you. 

In the event that you experience any of the following: 

• Severe abdominal pain makes it difficult to sit or find a comfortable position. 

• Yellowing of the skin or the whites of your eyes (jaundice). 
• If you have a high fever with chills, you should seek medical attention right away. 

Prevention 

A healthy weight is maintained by avoiding fatty foods, going on crash diets, or eating extremely few calories (rapid weight loss). Avoid skipping meals. 

Doral Health & Wellness offers cutting-edge medical care in a loving setting. While our doctors are nationally known for their clinical research, they also care about providing the best possible care to their patients. Call us today to book an appointment with gastroenterology experts in Brooklyn, New York.