The gallbladder is a small organ in the digestive system that produces bile, a substance that helps small intestines breakdown food. It usually does its job quietly and efficiently year after year. However, there are cases wherein stones form inside this organ due to an excess of cholesterol or bilirubin. It can also be caused by a high concentration of bile when the gallbladder does not empty itself completely. Some people are more prone to this including women, the elderly, the obese, the sedentary, and the pregnant. A high fat, low fiber diet could also contribute to the formation. Gallstones can exist without causing any trouble but you might want to contact a gallstone surgery North Shore specialist if you experience the following symptoms:
Intense Abdominal Pain
The stones could grow so big that they clog the ducts and prevent bile from flowing out. The pressure will increase as the bile builds up without an exit. The gallbladder will expand until it can’t anymore. People report the sudden onset of intense pain around the abdomen. Sometimes this goes away but there are cases wherein it keeps getting worse and the person cannot even find any position that could bring relief. Clearly, this situation cannot persist for very long. See a doctor as soon as you can to check if surgery is a viable remedy.
Yellowing Skin
There are also patients that exhibit yellowing of the skin that extends even to the eyes. The urine could also turn dark brown while the stools turn pale. These are symptoms of jaundice that have to be treated as a serious matter. If the stone is small enough, then it may be able to pass through the duct by itself without further interventions. If not, then a surgeon will have to remove it somehow. Gallstone surgery North Shore is the more most direct option. A doctor will need to examine the patient as there are other causes of jaundice including tumors and hepatitis.
High Fever with Chills
The clog caused by the stone can trigger inflammation in the gallbladder. This would, in turn, cause the body to have a high fever which is sometimes accompanied by chills. This kind of fever may also be due to an infection. Seek out a specialist to get the right diagnosis so that you can prepare for surgery if needed or take other medications depending on the recommendation.
Always consult with a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
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