Health Tips

What are gallstones?^1,2

Gallstones are small stones, usually made of cholesterol, which form in the gallbladder (a small organ under your liver). Gallstones can range from the size of a grain of sand to that of a golf ball. Some people develop only one gallstone, while others develop many gallstones at the same time. 

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Gallbladder stores and release bile, a digestive fluid which helps to digest fats.

What causes gallstones?^1,2

The exact cause is still not known. However, it is thought that there is an imbalance in the chemical make-up of bile inside the gallbladder. In most cases, the cholesterol level in bile is too high to be digested, causing the excess cholesterol forms into crystals and eventually into stones.

What are the symptoms?^1,2

Gallstones may cause no signs or symptoms. But if a gallstone becomes trapped in a duct and causes a blockage, the resulting signs and symptoms may include:

• A sudden and intense pain in the upper right of your tummy
• A sudden and intense pain in the centre of your tummy
• Back pain between your shoulder blades 
• Pain in you right shoulder
• Nausea or vomiting 

Gallstone pain usually lasts between 1-5 hours. There is a term for that tummy pain, called biliary colic.

Who are at risk?^1,2

• Obese person
• Aged 40 and above (the older you are the higher the risk)
• Being a female (especially if you have had children)

How can I prevent from getting gallstones?¹

You may reduce the risk of gallstones if you:

1. Do not skip meals. Skipping meals or fasting can increase the risk of gallstones.
2. Lose weight slowly. Rapid weight loss can increase the risk of gallstones. You may aim to lose 0.5 to 1 kg a week.
3. Eat more high-fiber food. Food such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains can be included in your diet.
4. Maintain a healthy weight. Reducing the number of calories you eat and increasing the amount of physical activity you get are the keys to reducing weight if you are overweight.

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Disclaimer: As a service to our users and general public, DOC2US provides health education contents. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.

References:

1. Mayo Clinic: Gallstones

2. NHS: Gallstones

Written by

Ms. Elaine Fung