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Last Updated: Jan 10, 2023
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Symptoms, Causes and Treatment of Gallstones in Women

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Dr. Shailendra LalwaniGastroenterologist • 22 Years Exp.Fellowship Minimal Access Surgery(FMAS), DNB ((Surgical Gastroenterology), MS (General Surgery), MBBS
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Gallstones are bits of solid material that may be formed in the gallbladder. The gallbladder is a little organ located under the liver. You won't not know you have them until they've block your bile duct, causing pain that will need immediate medical intervention, and even hospitalisation in some cases.They may comprise of cholesterol, salt, or bilirubin, which consists of red platelets. Gallstones vary in size. They can be as little as a grain of sand or as even the size of an apricot in many cases.

Women are more likely to develop gallstones than men. Read on to know more:

Causes: There are a number of causes for this condition, especially in women. These causes are as follows:

  1. Intake of anti-conception medication pills, hormone trade treatment for menopause side effects, or pregnancy
  2. Fasting
  3. Malfunctioning of the gall bladder
  4. High cholesterol levels
  5. Gallstones may be created when there is excessive amount of cholesterol in the bile discharged by the liver. This bile normally separates the cholesterol and helps in the normal functioning of the liver and other digestive organs of the body.
  6. Bilirubin: Bilirubin is a substance created when your liver wrecks old red platelets. A few conditions, like cirrhosis of the liver and certain blood issues causes the liver to create more bilirubin than it ought to. This can lead to complicated conditions like gallstones.
  7. Bile: Your gallbladder needs to exhaust bile to be sound. In the event that it discharges its bile content, the bile turns out to be excessively thick which causes stones to shape.
  8. Weight: Being overweight or underweight can also cause a malfunction which can lead to the appearance of such stones. The diet also has a bearing in such cases.

Symptoms:

  1. Fever
  2. A yellowish tint in your skin or eyes, which can demonstrate jaundice
  3. Sickness or retching
  4. Clay coloured stools
  5. Pain in the right upper quadrant of your stomach area
  6. Nausea
  7. Vomiting
  8. Other digestive issues

Treatment:

Numerous individuals with gallstones may be asked to go through surgery to remove the gallbladder. These include the following:

  1. Laparoscopic cholecystectomyThe specialist passes instruments, a light, and a camera through a few little cuts in the midsection.
  2. Open cholecystectomy: The specialist makes bigger cuts in the belly to expel the gallbladder. You may have to spend a couple days in the hospital after the operation.
  3. Without getting operated: If you have a mild condition and your specialist feels you shouldn't have an operation, he may recommend medicines like chenodiol, ursodiol, or both. These medications work by dissolving cholesterol stones. One may experience mild loose motions as a side effect.
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