Definition: Gallstones are collections of material that can form inside the gallbladder. Some gallstones form when there is too much cholesterol in the bile, while others may form if there are not enough bile salts, or if the gallbladder does not empty properly. Obesity is a known risk factor for developing gallstones.
Additional risk factors include:
- being female
- diabetes
- rapid weight loss
- extended periods without food
- family history of the disease
Complications of gallstones include:
- biliary colic, which causes episodic abdominal pain with nausea and vomiting
- cholecystitis (infection of the gallbladder), which causes abdominal pain and fever
- cholangitis (infection of the bile ducts), which causes yellowing of the eyes or skin, abdominal pain and fever. This may also cause abnormal lab results.
Treatments for gallstones, if needed, may include medication and surgery.
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