How to Identify the Risk for Gallstones

The gallbladder is a small sac that is located under the liver, with the main function of storing bile that is manufactured by the liver. Bile is instrumental in breaking down and digesting fats. However, there are other particles that can be found in bile, such as cholesterol, which when these components combine will help form gallstones. Gallstones may not cause any symptoms or problems, but gallstones that move around in the gallbladder have a good chance of moving into the common bile duct and causing a blockage. The presence of large gallstones and multiple gallstones heightens the chance for complications such as blockage, infection and pancreatitis. Learning to identify the risk for gallstones can go a long way to preventing the condition.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Women are more prone to developing gallstones. It is assumed that this is due to a tendency of women having a higher body mass index and may lead a more sedentary life than men. However, men are not immune and do suffer from gallstones. The key here, for women, is to understand that they can lessen the risk by not leading a sedentary life and monitoring their body mass index.
2. Gallstones and Blockage Age plays a role in heightening risk for gallstones. People that are 55 and older are more at risk for developing the condition. This can be due to body functions like digestion becoming sluggish as a person ages, as well as a not having a consistent exercise routine incorporated into the lifestyle as we get older.
3. A person that is overweight places themselves at an increased risk. Not monitoring dietary intake of fats and cholesterol can make the body work harder to break these things down, and since gallstones utilize cholesterol to form it is important to watch what is eaten and maintain a proper and health body weight.
4. People that have had gastric bypass surgery and are subjected to rapid weight loss have more risk for gallstones. This can be due to the decreased area for digestion and may make the stomach work a lot harder.
5. Men and women that have a low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and high triglyceride level tend to make more gallstones.
6. Certain stomach conditions and diseases increase a person’s risk factor for making gallstones. A stomach that is not working properly is a stomach that may have trouble with digesting foods properly. One such possible condition is Crohn’s disease.
7. Heredity may also play a role in heightening the chances of developing gallstones. So, a family history of the condition may be something a person wants to monitor and utilize steps to prevent the risk like controlling diet and maintaining a healthy weight, while incorporating physical activity.
8. Women that take high-dose birth control pills or are receiving estrogen therapy after menopause tend to have an increased risk of gallstones.
9. Native Americans and Hispanics have a tendency to be more prone to the condition of gallstones.
10. Medical conditions like pregnancy, sickle cell disease, cirrhosis and anorexia and bulimia can contribute to gallstone formation.
11. Living an unhealthy lifestyle that does not include healthy foods and an adequate amount of physical activity is a good way to place you at a higher risk for gallstone production.

Tips & Warnings

• A person that experiences intense moderate to severe pain in the upper right portion of the abdomen or upper mid-portion, and a fever should seek out medical attention. Other relevant symptoms associated with having gallstones are: jaundice (yellowish tint to skin and whites of eyes), dark brown or amber urine, chills and light colored bowel movements. It is possible to have only some of the symptoms and not all. It is also possible to have symptoms without having a fever. Either way, it would be in the person’s best interest to notify the doctor and have the symptoms diagnosed.