Gallbladder Stones

Even though it is not a vital organ, the gallbladder can still cause its fair share or problems. The most common problems are caused by gallbladder stones which form in the organ itself and then move to ducts where they then block the bile which builds up in the gallbladder. These so-called gallstones can also become inflamed which is a very painful condition or they can actually move into the liver where they then cause severe pain.  

Gallbladder stones can be the result of several things. Some of the stones are almost made completely of cholesterol and then there are pigment gallstones that consist of calcium stones and bilirubin which is excreted by bile. The majority of gallstones, however, are mixed stones which mean that they are the result of a combination of cholesterol and calcium salts. The color of the stone usually tells you what kind they are. The cholesterol stones, for example, have a green, white or yellow coloring. The pigment gallstones are dark colored. 

There are many reasons for the formation of gallbladder stones. Common causes are inherited pre-disposition for gallstones, obesity, a diet high in cholesterol and gender. Women are most likely to suffer from gallstones, because estrogen is a hormone that promotes the development of the stones. Especially during pregnancy and hormone therapy is this something to watch for, but also if hormone contraceptives are used regularly. Eating foods with too much cholesterol and starches is another way to create the best conditions for gallstones to form. 

The size of gallbladder stones can vary. The smaller stones tend to remain silent, which means that they do not cause any symptoms. However, the larger stones can result in a gallstone attack which can be mildly painful or excruciating. The most indicative symptom for problems with gallstones is an intense pain in the right side of the body in the area of the upper abdomen. This pain can last for hours and can be crippling and even radiate to other parts of the body, such as the shoulder blades, right shoulder and back. If gallstone attacks are severe or chronic or if there are many stones in the gallbladder, then the organ is removed.