Gallstones: Common warning signs

Gallstones are hardened deposits of digestive fluid in the gallbladder, located just below the liver. These stones can vary in size and cause severe discomfort when not treated. Understanding the warning signs or symptoms is essential for precise diagnosis and treatment. The best gastroenterologist surgeon in Kolkata discusses some common warning signs for gallstones.

Warning signs for gallstones

• One of the most common symptoms of gallstones is sudden and severe abdominal pain in the upper right side. It can happen after fatty meals and can last for several hours. 

• It can also cause nausea and vomiting accompanied by abdominal pain. You might even feel nauseous after vomiting. 

• If the gallbladder is inflamed or infected, you might experience fever and chills. Such symptoms necessitate immediate medical attention, says a gastroenterologist surgeon in Kolkata. 

• In some cases of gallstones, chronic indigestion, bloating and discomfort after consuming fatty foods are also noticed. 

• When gallstones obstruct the bile ducts, they can lead to the yellowing of the skin and eyes, indicating jaundice.

Diagnosis for gallstones

Gallstones are diagnosed by conducting abdominal ultrasound, endoscopic ultrasound, blood tests and imaging tests. Abdominal ultrasound is conducted to investigate the internal structures. If abdominal ultrasound misses any signs of gallstones, endoscopic ultrasound can identify them. During this test, a thin and flexible tube is inserted into the digestive tract through the mouth. It gives a detailed image of smaller stones. Blood tests help detect inflammation or infection and imaging tests help locate the blockage in the bile duct.

It is essential to note that not everyone experiences symptoms of gallstones. If you are facing any of the above-mentioned warning signs, you must visit a gastroenterologist. Gallstones can lead to conditions like pancreatitis, cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder) or bile duct obstruction. So, visiting the best gastroenterologist surgeon in Kolkata is crucial for early detection and proper treatment.