Digestive - Gallstones

Question 1

What are the symptoms of gallstones?

Answer 1

Sudden and severe stomach pain
Excessive sweating
Nausea and vomiting
Jaundice
Itchy skin

Question 2

How do gallstones form?

Answer 2

High levels of cholesterol in gallbladder
High levels of bilirubin (waste product)
Chemical imbalances - tiny crystals develop in bile - form solid stones

Question 3

What causes gallstones?

Answer 3

Caused by imbalance in chemical makeup of bile
Higher risk if overweight/obese
Over 40 y/o
Condition affecting flow of bile e.g. IBS or chron’s disease
Runs in families

Question 4

How can gallstones be monitored?

Answer 4

Ultrasound - examine organs - lubricating gel - sound waves bounce off tissues forming image
Cholangiography - dye + xray - injected into bloodstream or into bile duct during surgery or by endoscope
Xrays show abnormalities in bile or pancreatic system

Question 5

How can gallstones be treated?

Answer 5

Medication - tablets - remove gallstones -not always effective, take long time and can come back
Lithotripsy - endoscope sens shock waves to shatter gallstones
Keyhole surgery - remove gallbladder

Question 6

How do gallstones impact lifestyle?

Answer 6

Gallbladder surgery - not an essential organ but has side effects
May need to avoid spicy food after surgery
Need balanced diet - regular meals