How do Gallstones cause problems?
Sometimes there is too much or too little bile and its liquid chemicals inside the gallbladder. Some of the chemicals crystallize (become solid) and form gallstones. If the gallstones stay in the gallbladder they may not cause problems. If the gallstones move into the cystic or common bile duct, bile can back up causing pressure leading to symptoms. This process may also lead to an inflamed pancreas called pancreatitis. Gallstones may be silent and cause no symptoms or they may block the duct or irritate the wall causing right upper abdominal pain, mid abdominal pain, back pain, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, indigestion, gas, bloating, pressure sensation, etc. If a stone blocks the common bile duct it not only causes the above symptoms but also a serious condition like jaundice (a liver disorder), pancreatitis or infection. HOW ARE GALLSTONES DIAGNOSED? A thorough history and physical examination is the first step in diagnosing gallbladder problems. Abdominal ultrasound is the most comm
