TYPES OF GALLSTONES

There are two types of gallstones that are formed in the gallbladder. They include:

1. Cholesterol gallstones: They are usually the most common types of gallstones and are often yellowish in colour. Cholesterol gallstones are composed of undissolved cholesterol but in fewer cases, other substances may be implicated.
2. Pigment gallstones:These dark brown or black stones form when your bile contains too much bilirubin.

CAUSES OF GALL STONES

The causes of gallstones are not very clear; however, some researchers think that gall stones can be caused by;

1. When the gallbladder doesn’t empty completely or often enough, bile may become very concentrated, contributing to the formation of gallstones.
2. Too much cholesterol in the bile causing formation of crystals and eventually into stones.
3. Excess secretion of bilirubin

SYMPTOMS OF GALLSTONES

Gallstones can lead to pain in the upper right abdomen. You may start to have gallbladder pain from time to time when you eat foods that are high in fat, such as fried foods. The pain doesn’t usually last more than a few hours.

They include:

1. Clay-coloured stools
2. Dark urine
3. Diarrhoea
4. Indigestion
5. Nausea
6. Vomiting
7. Intense abdominal pain
8. High fever with chills

RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH GALLSTONES

The following factors have been implicated in formation of gallstones. Being female

1. Family History
2. Sex
3. Obesity
4. Pregnancy
5. Increased intake of cholesterol rich foods
6. Increased intake of low-fibre diet
7. Diabetes mellitus
8. Quick weight loss
9. Some oral contraceptives
10. Liver diseases

PREVENTION OF GALLSTONES

1. Avoid skipping meals
2. Avoid rapid weight loss, you can plan carefully and loose at least 1kg weekly.
3. Maintain a healthy weight

REFERENCES: Mayo clinic, Healthline, and WebMD.

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