Common Myths About Gallstones and the Truth Behind Them
Symptoms of gallbladder stones
Gallbladder stones can be tiny, like grains of sand. At this point, there may not be any symptoms or discomfort. Many people have tiny gallstones that they are unaware of and do not require treatment. When they become larger, more numerous, and begin to restrict the bile duct, they may produce any of the following symptoms: nausea or vomiting, fever. Symptoms include jaundice (yellowish eyes, yellowish urine, skin turning light yellow), liver pain, stomach bloating, and other stomach-related problems.
Common myths and facts about gallstones
- Myth: Gallstones frequently cause abdominal pain. Fact: Gallstones rarely cause symptoms. Only approximately 3% of people experience symptoms of gallstones. Abdominal pain may be caused by acid reflux or another medical problem.
- Myth: Surgery is the only treatment for gallstones. Fact: While surgery (cholecystectomy) is common, particularly for symptomatic gallstones, it is not required in all situations. Dietary adjustments and medication can occasionally help with asymptomatic gallstones.
- Myth: Drinking extra liquids, particularly milk, will remove gallstones from the body. Fact: Gallstones differ from kidney stones. Drinking more water or liquids to flush away little kidney stones is undeniably beneficial. Gallstones, on the other hand, present a slightly different scenario. There is no medical evidence that consuming more liquids or milk may remove or dissolve gallstones.
- Myth: Surgery causes major lifestyle changes. Fact: While some patients may notice abnormalities in digestion after surgery, many people return to normal activities and diets within a short amount of time. Most people adjust successfully, with no substantial long-term consequences.
- Myth: A vegetarian diet can help you avoid gallstones. Fact: If you wish to stop eating meat, it is entirely up to you, and many vegetarians and dieticians will support and urge you to remain vegetarian. However, no research or study on vegetarians has concluded that not eating any type of meat helps to prevent gallstone formation.
- Myth: All gallbladder surgeries are risky. Fact: While all operations involve some risk, laparoscopic cholecystectomy (the most common procedure for gallstones) is generally safe and has a low complication rate. Most patients recover rapidly.
- Myth: There are medicines available to dissolve gallstones. Fact: While there are medications that can assist in removing tiny gallstones, there is no foolproof method for dissolving gallstones of any size. We do not advocate believing any such statements. Using such medication may be more harmful to your body than beneficial.
- Myth: If your doctor identifies gallstones, you must take medication or have surgery. Fact: You can live a comfortable and healthy life with gallstones as long as they do not bother you. A qualified gastroenterologist will never put you on medication or recommend surgery simply because he or she discovered gallstones while diagnosing another problem. If your doctor says you're fine without medicine, you can go home happy.
- Myth: Once removed, gallstones will not return. Fact: If gallstones become lodged in the bile duct and restrict the passage of bile juice, they are removed using an endoscope. This is not to say that the stones are gone for good and will never return. The stones may re-form, exactly as kidney stones do. Unless very required, your gastroenterologist would not recommend surgical removal of gallstones.
Preventing
Scientists and researchers are still not sure if gallbladder stones can be prevented. You can reduce your risk of developing gallstones by following healthy diet and lifestyle changes. Obesity increases the risk of acquiring gallstones. Maintaining a healthy weight through meal modifications and exercise lowers the odds of developing gallstones.
Conclusion
When you have a physical issue, the first thing you should do is avoid going online and searching for probable medical conditions. Understanding the facts about gallstones can help you make more informed decisions about treatment options, including if surgery is necessary. If you suspect you have gallstones or are having symptoms, it is best to visit a healthcare expert.
Dr. Vinay Kumar Shaw, Head of the Department and Senior Consultant
GI, General, Minimal Access and Bariatric Surgery
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