Gallstones: Gallstones are solid particles that form from bile in the gallbladder. There are two types of gallstones, cholesterol and pigment. Causes of gallstones vary, and risk factors include female gender, obesity, crash dieting, and some medications. There are a variety of treatments for gallstones depending on the severity of the condition.
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Abdominal Pain in Adults
Abdominal pain in adults can range from a mild stomach ache to severe pain. Examples of causes of abdominal pain in adults include appendicitis, gallbladder disease, gastric ulcers, pancreatitis, heart attack, kidney stones, diverticulitis, shingles, spider bites, and more. Information about when to seek medical care for abdominal pain is also provided. -
Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas. There are two kinds of pancreatitis, acute and chronic. The primary causes of pancreatitis are alcohol and gallstones. Symptoms of acute pancreatitis include nausea, fever, dehydration, and rapid heartbeat. Symptoms of chronic pancreatitis include bleeding from anemia, jaundice and other liver problems, weight loss, and diabetes. Treatment of individuals with pancreatitis caused by alcohol abuse is stopping all alcohol use. Examples of other treatments may include gallbladder removal, antibiotics, or change in diet (high carbohydrate low-fat diet). -
Cirrhosis
Cirrhosis is a scarring of the liver over a long period, causing the liver to lose its function, which is primarily to filter toxins, aid digestion. Cirrhosis can be caused by a number of factors, often a hepatitis infection or chronic alcohol abuse. Some medications are prescribed to releive symptoms. Liver transplantation is the only curative treatment for advanced cirrhosis.
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Gallstones Topic Guide - Visuals
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Gallstones Topic Guide - Medications and Vitamins
Medications:
Acetaminophen (oral/rectal)Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and a fever reducer. There are many brands and forms of acetaminophen available. Not all brands are listed on this leaflet...learn more »
Gallstones Topic Guide – Related Topics
Related Topics:
Obesity
More than two-thirds of Americans are overweight, including at least one in five children. Nearly one-third are obese. Obesity is on the rise in our society ...learn more »
Flatulence (Gas)
Flatulence (gas) is a normal bodily function. Excess gas may be produced by swallowing excess air, problems in the breakdown of undigested foods, lactose defi...learn more »
Weight Loss and Control
Obesity is simply the accumulation of excess body fat. It is much more than that, however. Obesity is a chronic (long-term) disease that is very difficult to...
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Ask What should I avoid eating with gallstones
I was just diagnosed with gallstones. The doctor told me I needed to adjust my diet. I’m willing to do that, but his instructions were vague. What foods shou...
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ask Do gallstones go away on their own
I was just diagnosed with gallstones, and my doctor recommended a gallbladder removal. I don’t have health insurance, and I’d like to avoid any surgery, if p...
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Ask Where Do You Get the Pain with Gallstones
I’ve recently been getting sharp stomach pains, and I can’t remember having them before. I think I might have a gallbladder issue, but I don’t know much abou...
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Ask What Are the Early Symptoms of Gallstones
I recently had a baby, and she’s my little bundle of joy. The problem is I’m recovering much slower than I’d like and I have some continuing health problems....
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