The gallbladder, also called the gallbladder, is an organ that concentrates and stores bile secreted by the liver. The excreted bile contains digestive enzymes, so it not only aids in fat digestion, but also plays a number of functions, such as cholesterol metabolism and excretion of harmful substances. When a problem occurs in the gallbladder, it acts as the cause of the occurrence of various related diseases. Cholelithiasis is one of the most common diseases related to the gallbladder, and refers to a disease in which the fluid stored in the gallbladder hardens like a stone, causing inflammation and obstruction.
Cholelithiasis, which is divided into gallbladder cholelithiasis, biliary duct cholelithiasis, and intrahepatic cholelithiasis, depending on the location of the stone, is caused by several complex causes, such as excessive high-fat diet for a long period of time, age, obesity, and taking cholesterol-lowering drugs. It is known to do so. Causative diseases such as diabetes and hypercholesterolemia have also been known to be major causes that greatly influence the occurrence. In addition, excessive secretion of estrogen and diet are the main causes that affect the cholesterol level in bile. It can be said that it is the result of this reason that the incidence of cholelithiasis is higher in women than in men. As the cause of cholelithiasis, which is caused by eating habits that increases cholesterol in bile, has a great influence on the occurrence, the incidence rate is continuously increasing according to environmental factors such as westernized eating habits and lifestyle. Now, let’s take a look at the main symptoms that appear when cholelithiasis occurs, as well as various information about treatment and prevention.
Main symptoms of cholelithiasis
The most common symptom of cholelithiasis is abdominal pain. It appears acutely and is so severe as the pain during childbirth, so it is also called bile duct colic. This bile duct colic, which is caused by increased pressure in the gallbladder by causing blockage of the gallbladder duct while moving along the gallbladder duct, causes pain in a sudden form, and each time the pain occurs, the pain can last up to 5 hours. . In addition to such extreme pain, symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, fever, chills, and indigestion may be accompanied. And when it is caused by an increase in bilirubin level, jaundice symptoms occur and at the same time, the skin and whites of the eyes turn yellow, and the stool becomes muddy gray. These symptoms of cholelithiasis can be characterized by aggravation after consumption of high-fat foods or fried foods.
Even if you have gallstones, if you do not have symptoms, it does not affect the gallbladder and liver, so no special treatment is required. It is known that about 50% of asymptomatic gallstones do not show any abnormal symptoms during their lifetime. However, when the above-mentioned main symptoms of cholelithiasis occur, severe pain is caused, and when symptoms worsen, sepsis, cholecystitis, cholangitis, liver cirrhosis, and other complications occur. In addition, liver damage caused by gallstones and continuous calcification of the gallbladder wall increase the risk of cancer such as cholangiocarcinoma and gallbladder cancer. Therefore, it is important to receive an accurate diagnosis and examination through a visit if the pain similar to persistent abdominal pain and stomach cramps, and jaundice symptoms continue to occur.
Cholelithiasis treatment and prevention
1. Multiple examination procedures and appropriate treatment
For cholelithiasis, the exact shape and condition of the stone can be confirmed through various tests such as abdominal ultrasound and CT. In particular, ultrasonography is a test that has the highest specificity and sensitivity for gallbladder gallstones, and is also a test that helps to accurately identify related complications such as meningitis. In addition, blood tests may be performed to confirm the exact condition caused by infection and jaundice and to confirm the symptoms. Gallstones confirmed through these various tests do not have any special treatment if there are no symptoms, but if they are symptomatic gallstones, the pain is severe, the probability of recurrence is high, and the probability of various complications is high, so drug therapy, endoscopic treatment, There are several treatments, such as lithotripsy. In addition, if the gallstones are large or there are various characteristic symptoms such as enlarged gallbladder wall and polyps, laparoscopic cholecystectomy is performed without open surgery. Laparotomy can be performed if there has been a gallbladder infection due to inflammation during the examination or damage caused by other surgeries.
2. Controlling intake of foods high in fat
To prevent cholelithiasis, it is important to eat a balanced diet consisting of balanced nutrients at every meal. However, when the pain of cholelithiasis occurs, consumption of foods high in fat causes gallbladder contraction and is the main cause of pain. It is recommended to limit In addition, when consuming seafood, it is recommended to consume fish and meat with low fat content such as jogi, pike fish and dongtae instead of seafood with high cholesterol content such as eel, squid, and shrimp. However, if you reduce your fat intake for a long period of time, it will adversely affect your health and cause adverse health effects. Depending on the degree of improvement of symptoms, 15 g of oil per day is used for cooking food, and at the same time, 200 to 250 g of fish and meat are used in an amount of 200 to 250 g per day. It can be said that it is a good way to take it gradually and increase it.
3. Consistent intake of vegetables and fruits
For the treatment of cholelithiasis, it is recommended to limit the intake of fat and at the same time consume vegetables, fruits, and whole grains rich in protein, vitamins and minerals. However, protein foods such as eggs and tofu can also make the pain worse by accelerating the secretion of bile if the pain is severe. .
In addition, alcohol, carbonated drinks, and coffee and energy drinks with high caffeine content can cause worsening of symptoms, so it is important to try to improve habits to limit intake. In addition, regular exercise lowers the cholesterol level in bile, so it is an important management habit in the prevention of cholelithiasis.
