The gallbladder is an organ just below the liver.  It releases digestive fluids, known as bile, into the intestinal tract.  Gallstones are a hardened stone-like formation of these fluids.   They vary in size from some that are barely visible to others more than an inch in diameter.

Many gallstones do not produce any symptoms at all and do not require treatment.  Some gallstones may cause the gallbladder to become inflamed.  This inflammation causes pain and cramping that may last for several hours.  The pain, which may come on suddenly and quickly intensify, may be in either the center of the abdomen below the breastbone, or on the upper right side of the abdomen.  There may also be pain between the shoulder blades or in the right shoulder.  There may also be fever and vomiting.  The pain occurs usually, but not always, at night and often at about the same time.

There are several causes of gallstones.

1.  Some gallbladders do not empty properly and there is a buildup of bile.  This excess bile contributes to the formation of gallstones.

2.  Your liver normally secretes enough bile to dissolve the cholesterol in your body, but if your body has more cholesterol than your liver can manage, gallstones are formed. These are called cholesterol gallstones.

3.  When breaking down blood cells, your body creates a  chemical called biliruben.  Certain conditions cause your liver to produce too much biliruben, and gall stones are the result.   These stones are called pigment gallstones.

There are several lifestyle choices that contribute to the incidence of gallstones.  These include a high-cholesterol, high-fat, or high-sugar diet, obesity, rapid weight loss, and lack of exercise.   Estrogen replacement therapy, cholesterol-reducing medications, and diabetes are also contributing factors.  For reasons not totally understood, gallstones are more prevalent in females than males.  Gallstones are also most often present in those over fifty.

Those with significant gallstones run the risk of infections in the bile duct, blockage of the pancreatic duct, and an increased, but slight, risk for gallbladder cancer.

Gallstones that do not produce any symptoms, even though they may be visible on an ultrasound, do not need any treatment.  Treatment for troubling gallstones include removal of the gallbladder, or the use of medications that can dissolve the stone.  Your doctor will advise you if you need treatment and what treatment is most suitable for you.

Always call for medical help immediately if, during an attack, you experience crippling pain, high fever, or chills.