Your gallbladder can be a tricky organ in your body! It has the very specific function of storing and releasing bile made by your liver. That bile helps break down the fats from the foods you eat during digestion.

When that process becomes disrupted somehow, it can cause a buildup of that bile and create hardened deposits called gallstones. If they are large enough, gallstones can be painful! Read on to get the facts about gallstones from the AFC Urgent Care Greenwood team.

How Did I End Up With a Gallstone?

Gallstones can be attributed to a variety of factors, and sometimes they don’t have a direct cause at all! There is a direct relationship between excess weight and the development of gallstones, though, so people who are overweight or obese are generally more at risk of getting a gallstone.

Whenever your gallbladder fails to empty completely, a gallstone can form from the leftover bile. Sometimes these stones can be tiny and go unnoticed, and other times they can be as large as a golf ball and can be incredibly painful!

Indications of a Gallstone

• Sudden or intense pain in the upper right abdomen
• Back pain between your shoulder blades
• Nausea/vomiting
• Pain in right shoulder

Can Gallstones Be Treated?

If you have recurring gallstones or have one that is especially large and painful, gallbladder removal surgery may be recommended. Your gallbladder is not a vital organ, meaning you can live a normal life without it!

You should always seek treatment if you are experiencing pain in your abdomen. Without proper treatment of your gallstone, your bile duct and pancreatic duct can become inflamed or blocked, leading to further complications like pancreatitis. Certain medications can help break down the stones and can reduce your risk of further complications.

Higher Risk Categories for Gallstones

• Females
• Those who are age 40 and older
• Those who are overweight or obese
• Those with a poor diet
• Those with high cholesterol

Gallstones can be incredibly painful! If you are concerned about any upper abdominal pain, come see us at AFC Urgent Care Greenwood.