Cholelithiasis explained

Cholelithiasis refers to the presence of gallstones in the gallbladder which occurs more often in women than men. Gallstones are formed within the gallbladder and can range in size from as small as a particle to golf-ball size, depending on how long they have been building.

Gallstones are rock-like accumulations of material that take shape inside the gallbladder. There are different types of gallstones, but cholesterol stones are the most common. The gallbladder stores bile in the liver. When bile contains excess cholesterol, gallstones begin to form.

Cholesterol stones can be green, white or yellow in color and are made primarily of cholesterol while pigment stones are somewhat dark and made of bilirubin and calcium salts in bile. Much has been learned about how gallstones are formed and experts believe that gallstones may be caused by a number of factors such as inherited genetic chemistry, gallbladder movement and diet.

When bile builds up too much cholesterol, gallstones form. Furthermore, not emptying the gallbladder enough may allow the bile to become compacted and form stones. Increased levels of estrogen could raise cholesterol levels in bile, promoting the formation of gallstones.

Persons with high cholesterol levels are more prone to develop Cholelithiasis. Diets high in fats contribute to the formation of gall stones and over time the stones can grow to considerable size, causing serious pain and discomfort.

The symptoms associated with gallstones usually don’t develop until the stone grows to a significant size. The typical symptom of what is referred to as a gallbladder attack, is acute pain at the top right of the stomach.

The pain associated with a gallbladder attack is akin to the pain of kidney stones. Anyone who has experienced the pain of a kidney stone attack will tell you that the pain can be absolutely unbearable. Some patients have compared the pain of kidney stones to labor pains. Therefore, if you believe you are having a gallbladder attack, you should get to the hospital right away.

Drinking an eight-ounce glass of water at the onset could help. Drinking a cup of coffee after about an hour may benefit. A study has found lower rates of gallstones in coffee drinkers.

Summing it all up, cholelithiasis simply means you have a gallstone. Gallstone attacks typically happen after a meal rich in oily fat. Common symptoms are bloating, belching, gas, and indigestion. If gallbladder attack symptoms are accompanied by chills low grade fever, yellowing of the skin or eyes, consult your doctor right away.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/G allstone

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