Gallstones |
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DESCRIPTION
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The gallbladder is a small pouch near the liver where bile is stored. Bile helps to break down food, especially fats. The gallbladder can become irritated and swollen. A common cause of gallbladder disease is gallstones. Pain from gallstones is also called ""biliary (BILL-ee-air-ee) colic.'' Many people have gallstones but do not know it. Often, gallstones stay in the gallbladder or pass through it without causing problems. However, if one gets stuck on its way out of the gallbladder, intense pain can result.
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CAUSES
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You are more likely to have gallstones if your parents had them. Your chances of developing gallstones also increase if you weigh too much, have many children, take birth control pills, drink too much alcohol, and have a high-fat diet. Whenever the gallbladder cannot completely empty, gallstones may develop. For instance, infection and swelling of the tubes that carry bile out of the liver can produce gallstones.
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SYMPTOMS
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You may not have any symptoms, or you may have stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, or jaundice (yellow skin or eyes). You may also feel bloated, not be able to eat fatty food, and burp more than usual.
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CARE
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Your doctor may suggest aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen for pain. Rest until you feel better. You may need to go into the hospital for more tests and treatment. If your gallstones or other gallbladder disease causes problems such as infection, you may need to have the gallstones broken apart or removed. Surgery may be needed to remove your gallbladder.
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COMPLICATIONS
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s The disease is not life-threatening, but could get worse if you do not get treatment.
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