What causes Gallstones

(399 Words)
A gallstone occurs when hard deposits form in the gallbladder. These pebble-like compounds range in size from the size of a grain of sand to the size of a golf ball. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine, there are two main types. The vast majority of stones are made of cholesterol. The amount of cholesterol you have as evidenced by the numbers you get in your bloodwork is not related to these. The second type of stones are pigment stones, and these are created from an excess of bilirubin in the bile.
There many factors that can cause gallstones, and certain risk factors make you more susceptible. Women experience gallstones more than men do. Certain ethnic groups are also more likely to get gallstones. These include those with Native American ancestry. Age can play a part in your risk. If you are over 40, you have a greater chance of getting a gallstone. There may also be a genetic component since you are more likely to get gallstones if others in your family have experienced them.
Gallstones arise from various sources. If the gallbladder does not empty bile properly, then gallstones may be a result. This is more likely to happen in certain types of people, including women who are pregnant. Different conditions can prompt the liver to create too much bilirubin, thereby increasing the chances of gallstones. These conditions include sickle cell anemia and hemolytic anemia.
Biliary tract infections has also been shown to be a risk factor for gallstones. Those who have cirrhosis of the liver are more likely to suffer from them. People with diabetes or who have undergone a bone marrow or solid organ transplant may get gallstones at a higher frequency than others.
A person’s diet and the way in which they lose weight can cause gallstones. If you eat very few calories and have rapid weight loss, then you put yourself at risk for gallstones. Those who get intravenous feedings are also more susceptible to these buildups.
It is important to understand the causes of gallstones especially if you believe that you may be suffering from such a condition. Most cannot be prevented, but treatment such as surgery can be used to address them. Symptoms may also be helped with weight loss and a low-fat diet. With proper care the impact of gallstones can be minimized.