Painful gallstones must be treated

One in three has gallstones. Usually very small and therefore harmless. In around 15 to 20 percent of those affected, these stones are up to several centimeters in size and painful.

These deposits are called cholesterol stones and can be dangerous if they block the gallbladder duct or the bile ducts to the small intestine. The bile can then no longer flow out and biliary colic threatens. Severe pain attacks in the right upper abdomen, nausea and pain that radiates from the abdomen into the shoulder and back are typical symptoms. If these apply, a visit to the Doctor and in the worst case, it is urgently recommended that you go straight to the emergency room. The stones must be removed to clear the blockage. If a blockage occurs that lasts for several hours, serious complications can arise, which can also result in sepsis. High fever and chills and extremely low blood pressure are clear signs of this. Dark urine, light stools and a yellowish discoloration of the skin and the whites of the eyes also indicate bile blockage.

The gallbladder is not essential for life

As a storage facility for the bile that breaks down fat and proteins in the digestive process, the gallbladder has no vital function. The fluid itself is produced in the liver, is then stored in the bile ducts and flows from there directly into the small intestine for digestion. With a correct and balanced Nutrition absolutely sufficient for the digestion of food. Therefore, in cases of acute biliary colic, the gallbladder is usually removed by gall endoscopy. Dissolving the gallstones, as was done in the past, often led to new formations. Even the smaller stones subsequently caused colic. Therefore, this method of treatment is no longer used today. Instead, a way is sought together with the patient to change the diet and lifestyle so that the blood fat content remains at a normal level in the long term.

A healthy diet and sufficient exercise protects against gallstones

This normal cholesterol level is also the best prevention for those who belong to the risk group. Women and people with a family history of the disease in particular have a genetically higher probability of developing gallstones With a balanced diet, sufficient exercise, and avoiding so-called crash diets that cholesterol By increasing cholesterol levels, key factors that lead to the formation of cholesterol stones can be eliminated. Anyone who already suffers from high blood fat levels and takes medication to combat them will benefit from the positive side effect and prevent gallstones at the same time. In general, it is always advisable to seek medical advice and have regular health checks.