Gallstones Buffalo NY

What are Gallstones?
The gallbladder stores bile, a fluid made by the liver. If the amounts of the chemicals that make up bile become unbalanced, gallstones can form. Stones in the gallbladder may or may not cause symptoms. If stones move out of the gallbladder into a duct, they can cause pain or infection.

Who Gets Gallstones?
Anyone can have gallstones. But some people are more likely to get them:

Women, especially those who have been pregnant
People who are overweight or who have lost weight quickly
Family members of people with gallbladder problems
Common Symptoms
Symptoms range from none to any of the the following:
Mild to severe pain in the upper abdomen, shoulder, or back
Frequent stomach upset, burping, or bloating
Fever, nausea, or vomiting
Jaundice (a liver problem that makes the skin yellow)

Treating Gallstones
Gallstones are treated only if you have symptoms. Sometimes your doctor may simply want to monitor your condition. Other treatments include medication and surgery.

Preventing Gallstone Problems
You may be able to prevent painful gallstone attacks by eating a low-fat diet. This means limiting your use of high-fat meats, dairy products, and oils. Avoiding spicy foods may also help.