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Gallstone: Symptoms and Diagnosis

Gallstone is one of the most common Gastrointestinal conditions affecting the Indians. In this article, we will discuss the pain due to Gallstone, its symptoms and how to identify it and how Gallstone is diagnosed.

But before we begin, it’s important to understand the function of the Gallbladder.

Jump On :

• What is the function of the Gallbladder?
• Understanding Gallstone
• Diagnosis of Gallstones
  
• When should you see the doctor?

What is the function of the Gallbladder?

The Gallbladder, situated beneath the liver, is a reservoir with a capacity of 30 to 50 ml, storing bile juice produced by the liver. This vital fluid is released into the intestine when needed for digestion.

For expert guidance on gallbladder health, consult Dr. Aditya Kulkarni at Oasis Clinic, a distinguished Gallbladder Cancer Surgeon in Pune. Your well-being is our priority.

Understanding Gallstone

Gallstone is the second most common digestive system-related health condition. It’s more common in females, as compared to males. In fact, the rates of Gallstones are two to three times higher in females.

Moreover, age also plays an important role in Gallstones. As you age, you are at higher risk of gallbladder stones. The most common age is 40 years in fertile females.

In short, some risk factors include:

•   Age
• Gender
•   Pregnancy

What are the Symptoms of Gallstones:

There are multiple symptoms that might indicate that you have Gallstones in your Gallbladder. Some of the most common symptoms include:

• Fatty Dyspepsia

Fatty Dyspepsia on the right side is one of the most common symptoms of Gallstone.

•  Stomach ache

Stomach ache on the right side or on the upper-central side of the stomach is also a symptom of Gallstone.

Sometimes, this pain radiates to the right side or shoulder tip. Excessive stomach pain is known as a Gallbladder attack which can happen at any time.

But the risk increases, especially after eating fatty food (i.e. oily and spicy). This pain remains for up to 5 hours and is very severe. It is accompanied by raw belches, nausea and vomiting.

If the treatment is not availed for Gallstone in the initial stage, it can lead to other complications like:

•   Jaundice

This happens especially when the Gallstone from our Gallbladder passes to the Bile duct and blocks it.

• Biliary Pancreatitis:

Sometimes, this Gallstone reaches the pancreas and blocks its opening. This can lead to the most serious condition called Biliary Pancreatitis. This condition causes severe pain that might radiate to your back.

These are the most common symptoms of Gallstones. If you or your loved ones are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to consult a specialist immediately.

Note: It’s important to note here more than 50% of Gallstone patients do not experience any symptoms. These stones are known as silent stones.

Now, let’s understand the diagnosis of Gallstones.

Diagnosis of Gallstones

There are numerous tests performed to diagnose the Gallstone in your bladder. Let’s understand them one by one.

Sonography: Also known as Ultrasound of the Abdomen and Pelvis, this is the most common test performed to diagnose Gallstones. This is a very simple test and is performed on an OPD basis.

You will have to reach out to a good radiologist with an empty stomach for the test. He/she will perform a test on you to determine whether you have stones in your Gallbladder.

This test also helps determine the infection in the liver, liver status, bile-duct status and number and size of Gallstones. A maximum number of Gallstone patients are diagnosed using this test only.

Blood tests : There are certain blood tests or liver function tests that might help diagnose whether the patient has jaundice and abnormalities in the Gallbladder or pancreas.

MRCP : Magnetic Resonance cholangiopancreatography or MRCP is performed when the doctors are unsatisfied with the results of Sonography and Blood tests.

This is also an OPD-basis test and can be done on the same day. But it might take more time than a normal sonography. MRCP gives detailed information about the functioning of the Gallbladder and Pancreas.