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Gall Stone Disease

Gallstones form in the gallbladder, which is a sac in the body that holds bile from the liver. Gallstones are common but could require treatment under certain conditions.

  1. Identification

    • Gallstones form from cholesterol and other materials that are in liver bile. They vary in size from small grains to larger golf ball-sized stones.

    Symptoms

    • Most often those with gallstones have no symptoms. However, symptoms can occur if a stone is large and is blocking a duct in the intestine. A person may experience pain in the upper right side of the belly, and it may travel up the back and across the shoulder blade.

    Warning

    • Gallstone symptoms can be brought on by consumption of particular foods, including fatty foods and starches.

    Solutions

    • Most of the time gallstones can go without treatment. In the case that a duct is being blocked and a person is experiencing fevers or chills, the gallbladder may be infected and have to be removed with surgery.

    Fun Fact

    • The body can function without a gallbladder if it is removed. The bile will flow from the liver directly into the intestines.

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