The gallbladder is the small organ just under the liver. It plays a crucial role in the digestive process. Its primary function is to store and concentrate the bile, a digestive fluid produced by the liver. Bile contains substances like cholesterol and bilirubin, which aids in the breakdown of fats in the small intestine. When you intake fatty foods, the gallbladder contracts and releases the bile into the small intestine to facilitate digestion. Gallbladder stones are known as gallstones which are hardest deposits of cholesterol and bilirubin. These stones vary in size and range from small rice to bigger golf ball. As they increase in size, gallbladder stone may block the bile duct. These medical conditions can require gallbladder stone treatment or consult with a gastroenterologist in ahmedabad. In this article, we will explore some myths and facts about gallbladder stone.
- Myth: Only older people can get gallstones.
Fact: Although gallstones are more common in older adults, they can occur at any age. Even younger individuals in women than men can experience the development of gallstones. Hormonal changes during pregnancy and use of hormonal concentrations may increase the risks of gallbladder stone formation in women. Fat fertile at age of 40, at risk group- highlighting the association between factors such as obesity, fertility, and age of gallstone susceptibility.
- Myth:Eating fatty foods can cause gallbladder stones.
Fact: Intake of a high fat diet may contribute to the development of gallstones, but it is not an exclusive factor that can be responsible. The exact cause of gallstones may not be completely understood, but various factors can contribute to their development like genetics, obesity, high fat diet, swiftly weight loss, specific meditations or other medical conditions like liver disease and diabetes. The interface of these elements affects the gallstones formation, not only highlighting dietary habits.
- Myth: Losing weight too quickly may lead to gallbladder stones.
Fact: During rapid weight loss, the body’s metabolism of fat triggers the liver to release extra cholesterol into bile, which may lead to the cause of gallbladder stones. However, it is important to note that gradual and sustainable weight loss can less likely contribute to gallstones. Therefore, the method of pace of weight loss can impact gallbladder stone development with rapid weight loss and fasting potentially posting the higher the risk in this regard.
- Myth: Gallstones always cause symptoms.
Fact: Many people with gallstones do not have any symptoms, and these stones are called “ silent stones”. These types of gallstones do not interfere with the functions of gallbladder, liver, or pancreas , and do not necessitate treatments in the majority of cases. The symptoms of gallstone may resemble other conditions or medical issues including heart attack, appendicitis, ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, hiatal hernia, pancreatitis, or hepatitis. Due to the overlap of symptoms , it is crucial to consult with a gastroenterologist in ahmedabad for an accurate diagnosis.
- Myth: Drinking olive oil and apple cider vinegar can dissolve gallstones.
Fact: There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that drinking olive oil and apple cider vinegar can resolve gallstones without gallbladder stone treatment. This is considered a myth. Gallstones are a medical condition that need an appropriate treatment plan, including the consideration of surgery or other interventions, should be determined by gastroenterologist in ahmedabad.
- Myth: Only surgery can treat gallstones.
Fact: If the gallstones are minor and do not cause any complications, gastroenterologists in ahmedabad may recommend monitoring without gallbladder stone operation or recommend some medicines for gallstones. Gallbladder stone treatment is recommended if the gallstones are bigger or may not be dissolving through meditations. However, when gallstones are large, causing obstruction or leading to symptoms, surgery is often recommended. If the gastroenterologist in ahmedabad suspects that the gallstones are increasing or may soon cause discomfort , they may recommend the gallbladder stone operation. In some cases, you should not let the gallstones remain untreated.
- Myth: Gallstones always cause pain in the upper right abdomen.
Fact: However, pain in the upper right abdomen is a common symptom of gallstones. Many people may also experience nausea, vomiting, and shoulder or back pain. Only about 3% of individuals may experience the symptoms of gallstones.The abdominal pain can be due to acid reflux or other medical conditions that might be present. Consult the gastroenterologist in ahmedabad when the symptoms may arise.
- Myth: A gallbladder cleanse can prevent or treat gallstones.
Fact: If the gallstones obstruct the bile duct and get into flow of bile juice, and endoscopy is used to remove it. However, this doesn’t mean that stones are gone forever and are not going to come back again. They may reoccur, similar to the recurrence of kidney stones. If you have small gallstones and have no symptoms, then you must consult a gastroenterologist in ahmedabad for gallbladder stone treatment for accurate meditations and monitoring.
- Myth: Gallstones may be flushed out.
Fact: One of the main misconceptions is that gallstones may be flushed out in urine. This may be due to people being confused with kidney stones, but the gallbladder stone treatment is different, usually maybe removal of both gallbladder and gallstones. Trying to pass gallstones through urine may cause more issues, as they may cause stuck in places such as bile ducts, resulting in further complications.
- 10. Myth: Gallbladder stone operation is dangerous surgery.
Fact: Patients often consider gallbladder stone treatment to be dangerous, like many other surgical procedures. However, while complications may occasionally arise, they are rather rare, and the current gallbladder stone operation are generally safe and effective. The majority of patients have further no complications after surgery, and in many cases no overnight stay after gallbladder stone treatment is required. Keyhole surgery is often being used to remove gallstones and gallbladder.
Conclusion:
If you are undergoing treatment of gallstones, the above information helps you to understand your condition better and put your mind at ease. For additional information, feel free to reach out to our expert gastroenterologist in ahmedabad Dr. Anand Patel who assists you and provides you with the knowledge you need. Reach us today for more information and personalised guidance on your gallbladder stone treatment journey.
