Diseases
gallstone
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Overview
Gallstones are thought to develop because of an imbalance in the chemical make-up of bile inside the gallbladder. In most cases the levels of cholesterol in bile become too high and the excess cholesterol forms into stones. Gallstones are very common.
Symptoms
- sudden and rapidly intensifying pain in the upper right portion of your abdomen.
- back pain between your shoulder blades
- pain in your right shoulder
- nausea or vomiting
Causes
- the bile contains too much cholesterol.
- the bile contains too much bilirubin
- the gallbladder doesn't empty correctly
Risk factors
- being female, being age 40 or older,being overweight or obese.
- being sedentary, being pregnant, eating a high-fat diet.
- having a family history of gallstones, having diabetes.
Diagnosis
- blood tests.
- abdominal ultrasound.
- endoscopic ultrasound (eus).
- other imaging tests.
Medicines used
Frequently asked questions
What is gallstone?
Gallstones are thought to develop because of an imbalance in the chemical make-up of bile inside the gallbladder. In most cases the levels of cholesterol in bile become too high and the excess cholesterol forms into stones. Gallstones are very common.
What are the symptoms of gallstone?
sudden and rapidly intensifying pain in the upper right portion of your abdomen., back pain between your shoulder blades, pain in your right shoulder, nausea or vomiting
What causes gallstone?
the bile contains too much cholesterol.; the bile contains too much bilirubin; the gallbladder doesn't empty correctly
Which medicines are used for gallstone?
ursodeoxycholic acid
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