Before we look at gallbladder stones symptoms, it is necessary to understand just how these gallstones form in one's gallbladder. The gallbladder is an organ shaped like a small pear, which is situated just under the liver. The main function of this organ is to store and secrete bile. Bile is a digestive juice which is produced by the liver. Bile helps one in digesting fats. When eating, the gallbladder contracts and bile is pushed into the small intestine. Now that we know the role the gallbladder plays in digestion, the next question that comes to mind is "what causes gallbladder stones?" Bile is made up of fats, bile salts, cholesterol, water, bilirubin and protein. At times, certain substances in bile harden and form into gallstones. Gallstones can be either due to excess cholesterol and formed out of it or pigment stones. Gallstones can be several millimeters or centimeter in diameter. Having said that, the size of a gallstone can be anywhere between a pebble to a golf ball! Some people have gallstones and experience no problems at all, while others are plagued by gallbladder attacks. Gallbladder stones symptoms include but are not limited to the following:
- Pain: This is a major symptom of a gallbladder attack and one of the many gallbladder stones symptoms. The pain can start off moderately under the rib cage and then later radiate to other parts of the body, including the shoulder blades hands and so on. This pain causes great distress and discomfort and even prevents one from sitting up straight. It can be so intense at times that patients report that they cannot walk without bending over. Abdominal pain can also occur and severe abdominal pain should not be taken lightly. Medical intervention should be sought.
- Fever: This is usually a sign that the gallbladder is inflamed or infected. This can also be accompanied by chills and shivering.
- Nausea/vomiting: These are two other gallbladder symptoms. Nausea is experienced due to a build up of bile and vomiting occurs as the body wants to get rid of the bile.
- Other symptoms: These include headaches, dizziness, a tender abdomen, gas, a bitter taste in the mouth, acid reflux, constipation, constant fatigue and so on.
- Diarrhea: loose watery stools that are light or clay colored are also an indication of gallbladder stone symptoms. The bile in the body changes the color of the stools and lightens them.
- Elevated cholesterol levels is another sign of gallbladder stones symptoms.
Gallstones can be extremely painful, especially if they are large stones and stuck in the bile duct. Surgery is an option for getting rid of gallstones but it has its disadvantages as well. One of them is the constant diarrhea that one has to deal with for about two years after surgery. There are now several natural ways of getting rid of stones in the gall bladder.
- Drink plenty of water: Increase your water intake and ensure you have about 10-12 glasses daily. This will help to flush out the excess cholesterol and get rid of the stones as well. Drinking plenty of water will prevent the formation of gallstones too.
- Clean out your gallbladder: Take 20ml of olive oil with the fresh juice of half a lemon. Drink this twice a day and it will gradually reduce the number of gallstones.
- Artichoke leaves: These contain caffeoylquinic acid which increases the production of bile. By drinking these leaves with tea or by taking the capsules, the fat and cholesterol deposits in the gallbladder get dissolved. This helps to both eliminate as well as prevent gallstones.
The above are some of the methods used in gallbladder stones treatment.
answered by G M