Do you have gallstones?

Do you have gallstones? If you experience these symptoms, you may need to seek help.

According to the National Institutes of Health, an estimated 20 million Americans have gallstones -- hard crystals that form in the gallbladder. Most of this affected population have "silent gallstones," meaning they don't show any signs or symptoms and, therefore, don't require treatment. Unfortunately, not all gallstones are silent.

The gallbladder stores bile (a liquid created by the liver that helps break down fatty foods). When gallstones become stuck in the narrow duct that carries bile to the small intestines, the gallbladder can become inflamed.

If gallstones cause a blockage, you may experience the following symptoms:

• Indigestion when eating certain foods that are high in fat or protein

• Pain in the right shoulder blade

• Severe, sudden pain in the upper-right abdomen that lasts anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours

If the duct is completely blocked by a gallstone, a gallbladder attack may occur and is considered a medical emergency. Signs include:

• Abdominal pain that lasts around five to six hours

• Fever

• Nausea and vomiting

• Pale or clay-colored stool

• Yellow hue to the skin and whites of the eyes

Reason for removal

While silent gallstones may remain undetected, the ones that lead to noticeable symptoms often require treatment. This can mean surgically removing the gallbladder. Gallbladder surgery can often be done through laparoscopic methods -- which may mean a quicker recovery and smaller scars when compared to traditional, open surgery.

Once the gallbladder is removed, most patients can return to normal activities. A low-fat diet may be recommended for the first few weeks after surgery.

A medical mystery

What causes gallstones is still not completely understood. While it is known that 80 percent of gallstones are made up of mostly cholesterol, there is still uncertainty as to why some people get them while others do not.

Known risk factors include:

• Being obese with a large amount of fat around the waist

• Eating an unhealthy diet

• Having diabetes

• Having high triglycerides

• Having low HDL (good) cholesterol

• Living a sedentary lifestyle

• Losing weight at a rapid pace

• Pregnancy

If you have risk factors for gallstones, you don't have to wait for painful symptoms to seek help. Contact your primary care doctor who can conduct a screening or make a referral to a gastroenterologist. This is the best way to detect gallstones before they cause problems.

Patrick Schiefelbein, D.O., is a general surgeon at Surgical Associates of Siloam Springs. He performs a variety of surgical services including laparoscopy, biopsy, colonoscopy and more. For more information, visit SAofSS.com or call (479) 215-3040.