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.

Things You Need to Know about Endoscopy

An endoscopy is a nonsurgical medical procedure that involves putting in a long tube with a tiny camera on the top directly into the body of an individual to find out problems in internal organs or tissues. It is used to examine the upper part of the digestive system. A specialised physician or endoscopist carries out this process to detect and cure issues that may cause problems in the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum, the opening of the small intestine. The upper endoscopy is also known as an esophagogastroduodenoscopy. It is also used to perform minor surgeries and capturing the internal organs.

Why endoscopy is prescribed?

Investigate signs and symptoms

The procedure can help doctors to detect the causes and signs of digestive problems such as vomiting, abdominal pain, nausea, difficulty swallowing, and gastrointestinal bleeding. It is also prescribed by doctors in case a person is suffering from stomach pain, digestive tract bleeding, diarrhoea or chronic constipation, growths or polyps in the colon, and ulcers. 

Diagnose and collect samples

The doctors often perform an endoscopy to collect tissue samples (biopsy) to assess them for specific conditions such as problems like bleeding, diarrhoea, anaemia, inflammation, or cancers in the digestive tract.

Treatment 

The doctors can use some special tools through the endoscope or tube to treat problems in the digestive tract system, these may include widening a contracted esophagus, removing an odd object, and clipping off a polyp. 

Risks involved with endoscopy

Endoscopy is a safe procedure, however, there may be a few risks such as:

• Over-sedation
• Mild cramping
• Persistent pain in endoscopy part
• Internal bleeding, usually minor and often treatable by endoscopic operation
• Complications related to previous health conditions

People who are prescribed endoscopy will be asked to keep fast for 8 to 12 hours before the procedure to ensure that the stomach is clear. To make them comfortable and relaxed during the procedure, they are given sedatives. People might feel that they are mentally alert, but their memory and reaction times may be impaired due to sedatives. It is highly recommended to get this procedure done from a reputed endoscopist. For instance, if you live in Delhi, you can find the best endoscopist in Gangaram hospital.

All You Need to Know about Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is swelling or inflammation of the pancreas. Located behind the stomach, near the small intestine, the pancreas is a flat and long gland. The pancreas makes enzymes that aid in digestion and hormones that regulating the way the body processes sugar (glucose). The issue of pancreatitis occurs when the enzymes harm the pancreas causing swelling. It can come and go fast or sometimes, it turns out to be a chronic problem. Treatment will be depending on whether a person has acute or chronic pancreatitis.

Individuals who are suffering from chronic or acute pancreatitis feel upper abdominal pain. However, those with chronic pancreatitis may show swelling on diagnostic scans but otherwise may feel no signs and symptoms. Here are some other symptoms of pancreatitis:

• Indigestion
• Fever
• Hiccups
• Abdominal tenderness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Unintentional weight loss
• Bloating with a swollen abdomen
• Pain around the upper body and the back     

People suffering from chronic pancreatitis conditions may also have steatorrhea, which is a sign of malabsorption. It means that a person is not having all essential nutrients as their pancreas does not produce sufficient digestive enzymes to break down the food.

Types of pancreatitis

There are two major forms of pancreatitis that include the followings:

Chronic – This type of pancreatitis lasts a longer time, often for a few years.

Acute – It only lasts for a few days.

However, both types of conditions are severe and can cause health complications. Pancreatitis can also damage the pancreas permanently. But with proper treatment and medications, one can control the pain and live a normal life.

Causes 

There are several factors that can cause pancreatitis. Some of the most common causes include:

• Heavy alcohol use
• Certain medicines
• Genetic disorders of the pancreas
• Gallstones (digestive fluids that grow firm and create stones in the gallbladder)

Pancreatitis can be a serious health issue and, if people ignore the right treatment, it may cause EPI. People who have risks of growing such issues or have related signs must contact a good pancreas specialist in Delhi and make correct lifestyle changes to maintain the good health of their pancreas.

Common Medical Conditions Diagnosed and Treated by Hepatologists

Hepatology is a prominent and quite crucial branch of medical science. This domain deals with the prevention, study, diagnosis, and treatment of ailments that affect the liver, pancreas, biliary tree, or the pancreas of a person. All these organs are crucial to the overall health and well-being of a person. Hence, it is vital that people consult the best hepatologist in Delhi or some other Indian urban hubs, in case they face any hepatology related problems. 

Here are a few of the most common medical conditions that are usually diagnosed, treated, and managed by hepatologists:

• The diseases of the liver that are caused due to high alcohol consumption which include fatty liver disease, chronic hepatitis, and liver cirrhosis.
• Viral hepatitis infections like hepatitis A, B, C, and E. These ailments are known to affect millions of people across the planet every year. Together Hepatitis B and hepatitis C are responsible for more than 80% of all liver cancer cases. 
• Liver injuries of diverse types, as well as gastrointestinal bleeding caused by portal hypertension which might be linked to any such injuries. 
• The process of liver transplantation and even the various related post-surgical care and treatment that the patient would need. 
• Jaundice, which is also referred to as icterus. In this condition, a greenish and yellowish pigmentation is caused on the skin of the patients due to high bilirubin levels.
• A few types of infections which are common in tropical countries and regions, such as hydatid cyst, kala-azar, and schistosomiasis.
• Pancreatitis, particularly when it is caused due to gallstones or excessive alcohol consumption on the part of the patients. 
• Long-term damage caused to the pancreas or biliary tract due to conditions like cancer, infection, bleeding, or some kind of obstruction. Such damage can be caused due to alcohol as well. 
• Drug metabolism, as well as genetic or metabolic liver disease.

These were only a few of the numerous ailments and diseases that are diagnosed and treated by hepatologists. People must contact the best hepatologist in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai or some other metro city in case they have been suffering from any symptoms of any kind of gastrointestinal or liver disease.

Three Most Common Pancreatic Problems One Must Know About

The pancreas is a major organ that plays a key role in digestion. During the digestion process, the pancreas creates juices known as enzymes. These enzymes crush starches, sugars, and fats and aid the digestive system by creating hormones, chemical messengers that move through the blood in the body. Pancreatic hormones help correct appetite and maintain the level of blood sugar, impact stomach acids, and notify the stomach when to clean. It is very important to keep the pancreas healthy in order to keep the digestive system working properly. Here are the three most common pancreatic problems everyone must know about.

Pancreatitis

This problem occurs when the pancreas gets inflamed. It is a painful condition where the digestive enzymes that pancreas create attack the pancreas and cause abdominal pain. The major reason for acute pancreatitis is gall stones, obstructing the bile duct. Chronic pancreatitis can lead to malnutrition and diarrhoea. 

Diabetes

In case the pancreatic beta cells in a person’s body do not create sufficient insulin or when the body cannot utilise the insulin that pancreas produces, it may develop diabetes, causing gastroparesis, a decrease in the function of the digestive system. When an individual does not have sufficient insulin and have a diet with high carbohydrates, their sugar level can increase and cause signs such as weight loss and hunger. After a few years, it can lead to kidney and heart illness among other health issues. 

Pancreatic cancer

Around 90% of pancreatic cancers start in the cells that create enzymes for digestion support. Not receiving sufficient pancreatic enzymes for regular digestion is a common condition in pancreatic cancer. The signs and symptoms of this condition may include indigestion, appetite, weight loss, and fatty stools.

The pancreas is crucial for food digestion and balancing the usage of sugar for energy after digestion. In case, a person feels any signs like abdominal pain, weight loss, loss of appetite and others, they must visit a doctor. They can contact the best Pancreas specialist at Gangaram hospital or other reputed hospitals.

Here’s more on the Diagnosis and Treatment for Achalasia

Achalasia is an oesophageal complication that is characterized by the faulty relaxation of the lower oesophageal sphincter muscle. Simply speaking, the muscle that controls the ingestion of food into the stomach has to be in a relaxed state during the swallowing of food. In case this does not happen, then the patient feels excruciating pain in the food pipe or in the chest. 

There are many types of treatment available. Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy or POEM is one of the most effective surgical methods in these cases. In metros like Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai and Delhi, there are health care facilities where the treatment of this disease is performed. You can get information regarding POEM from Achalasia doctor in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai or any other city from various reliable resources and get in touch with them for proper treatment.

The indications and treatments

Problems in eating or swallowing are not uncommon but Achalasia is a serious condition. In this situation, the muscle that controls the inflow of the food into the stomach is constricted, which causes pain and other complications while swallowing the food. This is one of the first indications, and you should consider a consultation for having POEM from Achalasia doctor in Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai or any other city in one of the following cases:

• The patient is experiencing chest pain
• There is significant weight loss
• The patient is complaining of difficulty in swallowing or dysphagia
• There is a diagnosis of aspiration pneumonia

The usual diagnostic procedures for detecting this complication are Barium swallow, upper GI endoscopy, and oesophageal manometry. If the complication does not subside with the usual treatment method like Oral nifedipine and nitroglycerine or Endoscopic pneumatic balloon dilatation, then a surgical procedure like POEM may have to be applied.

However, the concerned doctor has to be consulted and the surgery must be performed by someone with expertise in treating achalasia.

Functions of the Liver and Common Symptoms of Its Malfunction

The liver is the second largest organ present in the human body. This vital organ performs a host of important functions related to digestion, metabolism, and storing of nutrients. The liver is considered to be a gland as well, as this organ tends to secrete chemicals that are used by other parts of the body. The size of the liver is approximately similar to that of a football, and this organ is located under the ribcage of a person. Besides, the liver is the sole organ of the human body that boasts of having the ability to regenerate. Let us take a glance at its importance and functions.

The Importance of the Liver

The liver performs a number of crucial functions that are vital for the survival and overall well-being of a person. Any type of damage suffered by the liver can ultimately pose a severe threat to the long-term health of a person. The important functions of the liver include: 

• Excretion and bile production
• Activation of enzymes
• Metabolizing proteins, fats, and carbohydrates
• Purification and detoxification of blood
• Synthesizing plasma proteins such as albumin
• Excretion of hormones, cholesterol, and bilirubin
• Storing vitamins, glycogen, and minerals

Symptoms of Liver Diseases

Owing to the host of crucial functions performed by the liver, any kind of severe damaged suffered by it can ultimately have severe consequences for the health of an individual. Liver related ailments like hepatic steatosis, hepatitis, and cirrhosis can be debilitating, and at times, even fatal. Here are some of the most common symptoms of liver damage: 

• Yellowish discoloration of the skin and even the eyes
• Pain and swelling of the abdomen 
• Abnormal swelling of the ankle
• Swelling in feet and legs owing to insufficient protein
• Itchiness and irritability of the skin
• Production of dark-coloured urine
• Loss of appetite along with the problems of nausea and vomiting
• Chronic fatigue, forgetfulness, and confusion

People should consult the best liver specialist in Gangaram hospital or some other renowned medical institutions in case they notice any indication of liver damage within themselves or their loved ones.

There can be many causes of liver malfunction, such as chronic alcohol abuse over a number of years, infection caused by parasites and viruses infecting the liver, as well as the accumulation of fat in the liver. Inherited genetic abnormalities can also increase the risks of suffering from a liver-related ailment.