Gall and Kidney Stones: What You Need To Know
With so many people suffering from gall and kidney stones, it can seem like there’s not much we can do about them. But that couldn’t be further from the truth! You might be surprised to know that a lot of the things we do on a daily basis can actually lead to these painful conditions. In this article, we’re going to take you through what you need to know in order to prevent gallstones and kidney stones – including ways you can avoid them altogether and ways you can treat them if they happen anyway.
What are Gall and Kidney Stones?
Gallstones and kidney stones are both types of stones that can form in your body. They are made up of different materials, but both can cause pain and other problems if they become large enough.
Gallstones are made up of cholesterol and other materials that are found in the bile, which is a fluid that helps with digestion. Kidney stones are made up of minerals and other substances that are found in the urine.
Both types of stones can cause pain when they move or become lodged in a narrow passageway. Stones that become lodged in the kidney can also block the flow of urine, which can lead to infection.
If you think you may have either type of stone, it’s important to see a doctor so they can diagnose the problem and determine the best course of treatment.
What causes Gall and Kidney Stones?
Gallstones are usually caused by an imbalance in the chemical composition of bile. Bile is a fluid produced by the liver that helps digest fats. If there is too much cholesterol or bilirubin in the bile, it can form stones. Kidney stones can be caused by a variety of factors, including an imbalance in the levels of calcium, oxalate, and water in the body.
Symptoms of Gall and Kidney Stone
Gallstones and kidney stones are both common conditions that can cause severe pain. While they have some similarities, there are also some important differences. Here’s what you need to know about these two conditions.
Symptoms of gallstones include:
- Severe pain in the upper abdomen
- Pain in the right shoulder
- Nausea or vomiting
- Yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes (jaundice)
- Clay-colored stools
- Fever
Kidney stones can cause a range of symptoms, including:
- Severe pain in the side and back (flank pain)
- Pain that radiates to the groin, lower abdomen, or genitals
- Blood in the urine (hematuria)
- Nausea or vomiting
- Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
- Frequent urination
- Fever and chills If you think you may have either condition, it’s important to see a doctor right away so that you can get relief from your symptoms and avoid any complications.
Preventing Gall and Kidney Stones
There are a few things you can do to help prevent gall and kidney stones from forming. First, drink plenty of fluids. This helps to keep your urine diluted and decreases the chances of crystals forming. Second, eat a healthy diet that is low in sodium and fat. This will also help to keep your urine diluted. Third, avoid crash diets or fasting, as this can lead to dehydration and make stones more likely. Finally, if you have a family history of stones, talk to your doctor about ways to prevent them.
If I need Gall Stones surgically removed, what should I do at home after surgery?
After having gall stones surgically removed, it is important to take care of yourself at home. Get plenty of rest and Drink lots of fluids. You may also need to take antibiotics to prevent infection and pain medication to help with discomfort. Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions and call if you have any questions or concerns.
Conclusion
Gall and kidney stones are a common problem, affecting millions of people each year. Although they can be painful, most stones will pass on their own with time. There are also things you can do to help prevent gallstones and kidney stones from forming in the first place. If you are having any pain in your abdomen or urinary tract, be sure to see your doctor right away to rule out any other potential problems. For more great info on Kidney stones click here, for more Gall stone info click here.