One in six is affected - most without knowing it: gallstones . These are clumps in the bile fluid - the fluid that is produced by the liver and thickened in the gallbladder.
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It is then transported to the intestine where it helps to digest fats. As long as the stones remain in the bubble, they do not disturb. This happens in three out of four cases. However, if they enter the bile duct and clog it, it can lead to severe pain and dangerous complications. But why are the stones made at all? What are the most common gallstones symptoms and how do you get rid of them?
Gallstones symptoms
Only a quarter of those affected even have complaints. Typical signs that the gallbladder is not working properly are bloating, nausea, and severe upper abdominal pain that may radiate into the back or right shoulder . If a stone blocks the bile duct, strong wave-like pains arise. With such a colic rapid action is announced!
A doctor should determine by an ultrasound position and size of the gallstones . Small stones can be dissolved by medication (ursodeoxycholic acid). Often, however, the stones come back or are larger - in such cases, the gallbladder is surgically removed . That sounds dramatic - but today is a relatively minor intervention. The only drawback: Due to the fact that the storage organ is missing for the bile, only small amounts of bile from the liver pass to the fat digestion in the intestine. To avoid discomfort such as bloating or diarrhea after eating, sufferers should avoid high-fat meals, especially after surgery. As a rule, however, such complaints lie no later than half a year after the operation.
Gallstones risk: female, overweight, 40+
Three times more often than men women suffer from the annoying clumping. The reason: The female sex hormones favor the formation of stones. Studies show that most people over 40 years of age and that there is also a genetic predetermination . Other risk factors include obesity, diabetes, physical inactivity, thyroid dysfunction and chronic constipation . A bile-friendly lifestyle can effectively reduce the risk of stone formation.
