People coping with obesity have
higher risk of getting gallstones. Know more about what are gallstones,
its symptoms and treatments.
Obesity exposes human body to many risks and disorders. It not only affects physic but also mental balance. Most of the heart diseases are associated with obesity. However it is possible to cope with obesity with the help of new methods and techniques like surgery, yoga, water therapy, etc. Obesity affects different organs of body as well as it makes body less flexible. One such part affected by obesity is gallbladder.
Though there are several other causes of gallstones, an obese is at
higher risk by it. Read on and know more about gallstones, its symptoms
and its treatments.
What are gallstones?
Gallstones are solid mass formed out of cholesterol. It is developed in the gallbladder. It is caused as result of deficiency of fiber content in food
and high intake of fast food. As a result it is difficult for body to
maintain solubility of cholesterol. Gallstones which get trapped in
bile duct are more risky. Thus early diagnosis and treatment is
critical.
Gallbladder is situated in the upper right side of an abdomen, below
the liver. It is small in shape and appears like a bulb. It contains
liquid known as bile which is produced by liver. Gallstones are formed
whengallbladder is unable to recycle the bile or a particular protein is high in bile, forcing cholesterol to form solid masses or when cholesterol content is high in bile.
Symptoms of gallstones
Have a quick look at the symptoms of gallstones causing gallbladder attack. This attack is due to the blockage in the gallbladder
caused by gallstones. Such attack occurs unexpectedly or after having
heavy meals at night. However they may not show any symptoms in the
initial stage or when they are very small. In such case gallstone is
referred as 'silent stone'.
Prolonged abdominal pain
Gas, nausea and bloating
Indigestion
Pain in upper and middle abdomen
Pain in right shoulder blade
Fever accompanied by pain
Treatments for gallstones
If the person is facing frequent gallbladder attacks, gallbladder is removed. If symptoms are not observed doctors may not advice removal of gallbladder.
Apart from the treatments mentioned below, researchers are still
finding new and better ways to treat gallstones. Have a look at the
treatments for gallstones.
Surgery
The old method to remove gallbladder through surgery is known as cholecystectomy. Removal of gallbladder does not affect human body, humans can live normally. After removal of the gallbladder the bile is diverted to the small intestine directly. There are two distinct surgeries as follows.
a) Laparoscopic surgery - this surgery is used most of the times to treat gallbladder disorder. As this surgery is minimal invasive, it involves less pain. Patients require staying in hospital for not more than one night after surgery. However patients should take rest for 4 to 5 days before indulging in day to day activities.
b) Open surgery - this is an old method of removing gallbladder. Is not as comfortable as laparoscopic surgery.
The reason for discomfort is that it is done through 5 to 8 inches of
incision. However the pain can be cured with the help of medications.
Patients need to be hospitalised for 3 to 8 days. Patients also require
several weeks to recover and get back to normal routine.
c) Blocked bile ducts surgery - this surgery is undertaken to treat a patient where gallstones get trapped in bile ducts. The surgery involves two stages, one for the removal of gallbladder and other to avoid the reoccurrence of symptoms.
Other treatments
Other treatments for gallstones
include all non-surgical treatments which can be risky. These
treatments may not permanently cure the disorder. It may also show
symptoms post treatment. Patient may have to continue taking medicines
for several years. Here are some of the non-surgical treatments for
gallstone.
Taking oral drugs is involved in
treatment known as oral dissolution therapy. This treatment helps to
dissolve the gallstones. However new gallstones are formed if treatment
is discontinued.
Dissolving gallstone is also done through injecting chemicals directly into gallbladder. This treatment is known as contact dissolution therapy.
Transmission of powerful shock waves through a recommended
instrument helps breaking gallstones. This treatment is referred as
extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy.
You require to know the in and out of
this diseases to avoid complications in future. However you need not
worry as it can be completely treated with the help of surgeries. To
stay away form this disorder you need to take essential measures to
prevent obesity. Nevertheless obesity is not the only cause of this
disease, excessive reduction in weight is also one of its causes.
People suffering from diabetes and taking cholesterol lowering
drugs may also get affected by gallstone. However it is not very
difficult to deal with it. All you need is courage to face it and a positive attitude.
Are you aware of gallstone disorder? Why does an obese have higher risk of gallstones? What treatments are safer for gallstones?
Shanthala
I agree with all your comments but I think you are more leaning towards only Obese being the reason for gall stones which is not true. The 3 real reasons for Gall stones are Female, Fourty and O...
Ketki
Obesity has higher risk of gallbladder problems. It is caused due to high cholesterol. It is very obvious that the cholesterol content is higher in obese so they have higher risk. It is not a very ser...
Datta
It is better to opt for surgery treatment than non-surgery treatments for gallstone. Surgeries ensure permanent cure of gallstone. There is no assurance that non-surgical treatments will cure the diso...
