Most of the mild cases having gallstones show no symptoms. Gallstones usually pass from the gallbladder to bile ducts. When there is an obstruction in bile duct due to these stones, a severe pain along with nausea and vomiting results. This obstruction allows the growth of bacteria, which in turn may lead to infection in the duct leading to a condition known as CHOLANGITIS.
The infection, if caused leads to the formation of pus which is accompanied by fever and chills. When the gallstone remains in the bile for a long time, bile is built up behind it. This may cause jaundice where the white of eyes and the color of skin turn yellow. When a gallstone obstructs the outlet of the gallbladder, severe pain in the upper abdomen is caused along with fever and causes CHOLECYSTITIS.
When the pancreatic duct is obstructed by stones, a condition called PANCREATITIS occurs in which an inflammation of pancreas is caused. When a large gallstone enters the small intestine, an intestinal obstruction is caused. This condition is usually termed as GALLSTONE ILEUS.
When gallstones accidentally crash in the cystic duct during gallbladder contraction, gall bladder tension increases, causing pain. This condition is known as biliary colic. Intake of high fat foods causes dyspepsia.
When a duct is blocked by gallstones, the bile follows the route through the pancreas to get into the small intestine. This irritates the pancreas due to which it produces insulin. Insulin, when produced at the wrong time may lead to hypoglycemia or low blood sugar. Later, insulin is not produced when it is needed and hence causes hyperglycemia commonly known as diabetes. Gallstones have found to be one of the major causes of adult onset diabetes.
Pigment stones are caused due to cirrhosis, biliary tract infections or blood disorders such as anemia, all of which cause surplus bilirubin to be formed. There are also other factors like diabetes, obesity, rapid weight loss, pregnancy, fasting, taking birth control pills etc. that may lead to the formation of gallstones.
This information does not replace medical advice. If you have a medical problem please see your doctor or consultant.
Gallstones or Cholelithiasis are the most common of all gallbladder problems. Formation of gallstones leads to gallbladder disease and bile duct disease. Adults are more prone to the problem of gallstones.
