Gallstones are one of the most common digestive diseases in which small stones are formed in the gallbladder. If gallstones lodge in a bile duct and cause a blockage, it eventually results in severe life-threatening complications such as bile duct inflammation and infection, pancreatitis or cholecystitis (an inflammation of gallbladder). In addition, if left untreated, it might increase risk of “gallbladder cancer”. Statistical data reviews that gallstones have been commonly found in women rather than men, age between 30-50. 

Since signs and symptoms are quite similar, patients with gallstones often misunderstand that they might have a “peptic ulcer”. Self-treatment by taking antacid and anti-ulcer medications without having an accurate diagnosis results in an increased severity, frequently presented with emergency conditions that require immediate treatments. Knowing the early signs of gallstones must be aware in order to get the disease diagnosed in due time and receive appropriate medical treatment.

Function of Gallbladder

Gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped, hollow structure located under the liver on the right side of the abdomen. The gallbladder stores and concentrates a digestive fluid called “bile” which is a yellowish-brown fluid used to break up and digest fatty foods in the small intestine. 

Get to Know “Gallstones”

Gallstones (or cholelithiasis) are responsible for one of the most prevalent biliary disorders. Gallstones are hardened deposits of digestive fluid (bile) that can form in the gallbladder. The stones are mainly caused from the precipitation of either calcium salts or cholesterol in bile. The appearance of gallstones may vary depending on their types. Classification by compositions, there are 3 main types of gallstones: 

1. Cholesterol gallstones: The most common type of gallstone is called “cholesterol gallstones”, often appearing in chalk white or greenish-yellow due to undissolved cholesterol as the main component. 

2. Pigment gallstones: Pigment gallstones are dark brown or black stones containing bilirubin. Major causes might originate from the abnormalities of blood such as hemolytic anemia and liver diseases such as jaundice and cirrhosis. 

3. Mixed gallstones: Mixed gallstones are the mixture of both cholesterol and pigment gallstones with a sticky mud-like appearance. They typically arise secondary to the infection of the biliary tract, liver and pancreas.

Common Symptoms of Gall Stones:

• Abdominal Pain: Location: Pain in the upper right abdomen, sometimes radiating to the back, between the shoulder blades, or the right shoulder. Type: Sudden, sharp, or cramping pain that can last for minutes to hours. 
• Triggers: Pain may worsen after eating, especially fatty or greasy foods. 
• Biliary Colic: If a gallstone blocks a duct, the pain is known as biliary colic. 
• Nausea and Vomiting: These are common symptoms, especially during a gallstone attack. 
• Fever and Chills: These can indicate inflammation or infection of the gallbladder. 
• Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes, which can occur if a gallstone blocks the flow of bile. 

Other Symptoms:

• Bloating 
• Clay-colored stools 
• Dark-colored urine 
• Indigestion, heartburn, and gas 
• Sweating 
• Rapid heartbeat 
• Loss of appetite 

Risks Factors of Gallstones 

• Being female age 40 or older
• Being the elderly over 60
• Obesity and overweight 
• Hypercholesterolemia (high level of blood cholesterol)
• Diabetes 
• Hematologic disorders such as anemia and thalassemia
• Being pregnant or having had several children
• Taking medications that contain estrogen such as oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy.

Serious complications of Gallstones

Because bile ducts connect the gallbladder to other digestive organs, these surrounding structures can also suffer complications from gallbladder disease. Problems include cholangitis (bile duct inflammation), cirrhosis (scarring of the liver), and pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas).

But the most dangerous complication, Dr. Sachin Ambekar says, is gallbladder inflammation called cholecystitis. It results from a gallstone getting stuck in the gallbladder, which becomes infected and causes searing pain. "It's a pretty dramatic illness," he says. "The gallbladder can rupture or leak infected bile, and the infection can spread through the body. It can be fatal."

“New evidence suggests gallstones may also raise the risk of developing cancers of the liver, bile duct, and pancreas. A study published online June 17, 2022, by the British Journal of Cancer tracked more than 115,000 women and nearly 50,000 men for up to 30 years, asking about their history of gallstones at the study's start and every other year afterward. Compared with people without gallstones, those who got them were 60% more likely to develop liver cancer, more than four times as likely to develop bile duct cancer, and 13% more likely to develop pancreatic cancer.”

Why Ignoring Them Isn’t Worth It

Maybe they’ll just go away,” you might think. Spoiler: they probably won’t. Silent gallstones can stay quiet for years, but once symptoms start, they tend to escalate. The good news? You’ve got options. A doctor might recommend monitoring, dietary changes (farewell, greasy fries), or, in some cases, surgery to remove the gallbladder, a surprisingly common and straightforward procedure called a cholecystectomy.

Last word: Listen to Your Body

Gallstones aren’t always a death sentence, but ignoring them can turn a manageable issue into a medical horror story. That twinge after a fatty meal? The nausea you brushed off? They could be your body waving a red flag. Don’t wait for the pain to dictate your next move visit to a MASSH hospital if you suspect trouble brewing in your gallbladder.

The takeaway? Those tiny stones might be small, but their potential to wreak havoc is anything but. Stay informed, stay proactive, and keep your health in check because the risks of ignoring gallstones are far too big to gamble with.