I Think I Have Gallstones: What Treatment Will Take Away My Pain?

Dinners aren’t what they were when you are looking at what’s in front of you, asking yourself if the food could be triggering another gallbladder attack. Pain caused by gallstones is intense and debilitating and can come seemingly out of nowhere, although it is associated with eating fatty meals.

Our experts at Carolina Digestive Health Associates understand just how debilitating gallstones can be and regularly treat gallstones, removing the source of your pain.

Understanding what is causing you pain

Gallstones are hardened deposits of cholesterol and other substances that form inside the gallbladder, a small organ located just beneath your liver. The pain that comes with gallstones occurs when these stones obstruct the flow of bile, a digestive fluid your body needs to break down fats. When the gallbladder contracts in an attempt to release bile but is blocked by a stone, the result can be sharp and severe pain.

These flare-ups typically last between 30 minutes and a few hours, though they can leave you feeling depleted and miserable.

What causes gallstones, and who is at risk

 Gallstones form when bile becomes imbalanced. The bile your liver produces is mostly water, but it also contains cholesterol, bilirubin, and other components. If there’s an excess of cholesterol, it can harden into gallstones. While anyone can develop gallstones, certain factors increase your risk.

Women aged 20-60 are more likely to develop gallstones, particularly those who are pregnant, use birth control, or take hormone replacement therapy.

Weight problems, especially rapid weight loss, and conditions like diabetes or high cholesterol also increase the risk. Additionally, family history and being of Hispanic or American Indian heritage can make you more susceptible.

What causes a gallstone flare-up

Flare-ups occur when a gallstone moves and blocks the bile ducts, causing bile flow to be restricted. Fatty or greasy foods often trigger these attacks, though they can strike suddenly.

Treating gallstone pain

The best treatment for gallstones is to have them removed. Our experts can do so in two ways: a minimally invasive procedure (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography) or the removal of the gallbladder.

Depending on how affected the gallbladder is, you will either be recommended the minimally invasive procedure, which involves no incisions and only a scope introduced to remove the gallstones, or the removal of the gallbladder via surgery.

Treatment of gallstones not only removes gallbladder attacks, but it also protects you from potential infections and even damage to your liver. 

If you have symptoms, get peace of mind by scheduling an appointment at one of our offices in Belmont, Charlotte, or Uptown Charlotte, North Carolina, to receive a diagnosis and expert advice.