Is acid reflux a sign of gallbladder problems

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When compared to the rest of the digestive system, the gallbladder doesn’t receive much attention and care. If you don’t understand the role of the gallbladder, in your overall health, then it can lead to neglect and gallstone problems.

This pear-shaped organ is situated between the liver and pancreas, and it stores bile that is released in the intestines, regularly; the bile helps with digesting fats. You may think this function is not that important, but a faulty gallbladder can lead to many issues, and the most common ailment is gallbladder stones.

What causes gallbladder stones?

Gallstone problems are caused when excessive fats are present in your gallbladder and they begin to crystallize over time. Eventually, these crystals begin to clump together and transform into stones of different sizes; the sizes can vary from a grain of sand to the size of a golf ball. Studies have shown that women, between the ages of 20 and 60, are more likely to develop gallstones, than men. This is because of pregnancy and oral contraception, which cause changes in hormones like estrogen and progesterone, and this can trigger gallstone production.

Now, the tricky part of gallstones is that people don’t realize that they are formed, in the initial stages; which means they don’t experience any gallbladder stone symptoms. These gallbladder stones are also known as “silent stones” and if they don’t show any real symptoms then they don’t need to be treated. Usually, the patient finds out about “silent stones” through a CT scan or an ultrasound, that is done for other reasons.

However, some patients experience intense gallstones symptoms, and they can differ in intensity and frequency. If you experience any symptoms that come with gallstone problems, then you have to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Usually, surgery is the best treatment to extract gallstones.

Some of the prominent symptoms of Gallstone Problems are as follows:

Constant and prolonged abdominal pain –

Abdominal pain is the biggest sign of gallstones. If you experience any pain in the upper right abdomen region, especially after fatty meals, then it’s time to go for a check-up. Another indication of gallstones is a sharp pain that can radiate through the back and the right shoulder.

When the pain is triggered after a meal, it means that the stone is being forced out of the gallbladder in the process. This results in a sharp and pesky pain that can last anywhere between minutes to hours.

When patients experience abdominal pain, due to gallstones, it usually goes away on its own. But, if the pain occurs frequently and lasts for a long time, in addition to other symptoms, then you may have to go for a check-up.

Sudden nausea and vomiting –

When a gallstone gets stuck in any duct that keeps your digestive enzymes from flowing, it can lead to swelling, inflammation, gripping pain, nausea, and vomiting. If you begin to experience sudden nausea and vomiting, especially after a full meal, then it’s best that you consult your doctor right away.

Heartburn –

Most gallstone symptoms mimic indigestion like heartburn, cramping, and acid reflux, which is why it’s easy to ignore the signs.

Dark urine and light-coloured stools –

Bilirubin is broken down during the digestive process and this is what makes your urine yellow and stools brown. If you notice dark urine, even though you’re hydrated, along with light-coloured stools then it’s a sign that the bile duct is blocked. The moment you notice these gallstones symptoms, visit the doctor immediately.

Fever and chills –

When you experience, fever, chills, abdominal pain that won’t go away, along with heavy bouts of nausea, this means that the gallbladder outflow is completely blocked and has led to an infection. Infections can be fatal when ignored, so it’s essential that you seek medical attention, especially if you are sure that the gallbladder is the culprit.

Diet to prevent gallbladder stones:

If you are experiencing gallbladder problems then adjusting your diet can work in your favour. Here are some foods that you should avoid for a healthy gallbladder:

1. Food that is high in trans-fat and unhealthy fats
2. Processed foods
3. Simple carbohydrates like white sugar and bread

Here are some foods that will help you maintain a healthy gallbladder:

1. Fruits and vegetables
2. Low-fat dairy and leafy greens
3. Foods that are rich in antioxidants and Vitamin C
4. Plant-based protein like tofu, beans, and lentils
5. Healthy fats from nuts and fish
6. Black, unsweetened coffee

Gallstones symptoms may be a minor inconvenience in the beginning, but if ignored, it can get worse with time and cause complications to your overall health. So, ensure that you take immediate action and consult a Medical Gastroenterologist near you when you notice the slightest signs of gallbladder stones.

Dr. Kiran R | Consultant Gastroenterology Medical | Mazumdar Shaw Medical Center, Bommasandra, Bangalore

Abdominal painsdigesting fatsgallbladder stonesGallstonegastro problemliver and pancreas areapancreas

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