What are Gallstones?

What is gallbladder? 

It is a small organ below the liver in the upper right abdomen. It stores bile, a green-yellow liquid that helps with digestion. Gallstones form when there is too much cholesterol in the bile. 

Causes 

Eighty percent of gallstones are made of cholesterol and 20 percent are made of calcium salts and bilirubin. Bilirubin is a chemical that is produced when your body breaks down red blood cells.  

Symptoms 

• Pain in the upper right abdomen. 

• Nausea 

• Vomiting 

• Dark urine 

• Clay-colored stools 

• Stomach pain 

• Burping 

• Diarrhea 

• Indigestion 

These symptoms are also known as biliary colic. 

Diagnosis 

He may ask for some diagnostic tests. These tests include: 

• Ultrasound 

• Abdominal CT scan 

• Gallbladder radionuclide scan 

• Blood tests 

• Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) 

Treatment 

Treatment is not needed for Gallstones unless they cause pain. If you are in pain, a doctor will recommend surgery. In rare cases, medication may be used. 

Tips for gallbladder health 

• Maintain the healthy weight. 

• Avoid rapid weight loss. 

• Eat an anti-inflammatory diet. 

• Get regular exercise. 

• Some natural supplements you can take include vitamin C, iron, and lecithin.