Gallstones: Meaning, Causes, Types, and Symptoms

The gallbladder is an organ of the shape of a small pouch that is situated below the liver. The function of the gallbladder is to help in digestion by storing and releasing the bile produced by the liver. When it collects and hardens inside the gallbladder gallstones are formed. A gallstone can be as small as a grain of sand and as big as a golf ball. 

Causes of Gallstones

• When an excess amount of cholesterol is present in the bile

Under normal circumstances, bile has enough chemicals to dissolve the cholesterol that is secreted by our liver. However, if the amount of cholesterol secreted by the liver larger than the amount that chemicals in bile can dissolve, it can lead the formation gallstones.

• When an excess amount of bilirubin is present in the bile

Bilirubin is a chemical that is produced when the red blood cells in our body break down. Conditions like cirrhosis, biliary tract infection and blood disorders causes the liver to produce bilirubin in excess amount. The overproduction of bilirubin by the liver contributes to the formation of gallstones.

• When some amount of bile is retained in the gallbladder

Gallbladder usually becomes empty after we consume food as it helps indigestion. While digestion if the gallbladder doesn’t become empty and a certain amount of bile is retained inside gallbladder every time, the bile becomes concentrated and leads to the formation of gallstones. 

Types of gallstones

• Cholesterol Gallstones

As we read above that sometimes liver secretes cholesterol more than than the amount that chemicals in bile can dissolve. Gallstones formed due to this cholesterol are called cholesterol gallstones. These gallstones are yellowish-green in colour. 

• Pigment gallstones

It has been explained above that sometimes gallstones are formed due to excessive production of bilirubin. These gallstones are called pigment gallstones. They are dark brown or black. 

Symptoms of gallstones

• Pain in the right-hand side of the upper abdomen, just below the ribs
• Pain in the right shoulder and back
• Vomiting
• Indigestion
• Heartburn
• Gas
• Diarrhoea

See the best hepatologist in Delhi or anywhere else if you experience following signs of severe infection or inflammation:

• Fever
• Feeling of cold
• Yellow skin or eyes
• Dark urine
• Clay-coloured poop

Gallstones can be troublesome if not treated on time. Under severe condition, you might have to undergo surgery to get rid of gallstones.