Image: Charnsitr
Almost a quarter of the Austrian population has gallstones, but for the most part they do not cause any symptoms.
Only around three percent of those who have gallstones actually suffer from recurring symptoms such as bloating, flatulence, diarrhea and abdominal pain. In some cases, nausea and vomiting may also occur. The extremely painful colic that can be caused by gallstones is particularly bad. They occur when small stones block the flow of bile and often also digestive juice from the neighboring pancreas. The fluids then have difficulty getting into the duodenum, where they break down our food.
The pain, which usually occurs in waves, often radiates to the back or right shoulder. Over time, the backlog of digestive juices can lead to inflammation of the gallbladder and pancreas. The bilirubin carried along, i.e. the bile pigment, which cannot be flushed into the duodenum, then enters the blood and leads to jaundice (jaundice). This is usually clearly visible in the yellowing of the eyes. In addition, the dye is missing in the stool, which becomes lighter while the urine turns darker.
If you notice such signs, you should see a doctor immediately. A family history increases the likelihood of developing gallstones. However, you can usually prevent gallstone disease very effectively through a healthy diet, lots of exercise and avoiding obesity.
Since, as you say, you are completely free of symptoms so far, your doctor’s recommendation is definitely justified. An operation is certainly not urgent for you.
My personal tip to you: Make sure that you get enough exercise in the fresh air, especially during the Christmas season – after the sumptuous, high-calorie feast. This promotes digestion.
Do you have questions about health? Write to OÖN doctor Johannes Neuhofer (dermatologist), who oversees this column with a team of doctors: Clemens Steinwender (cardiologist), Reinhold Függer (surgeon), Rainer Schöfl (gastroenterologist), Josef Hochreiter (orthopedist), Werner Schöny (psychiatrist). E-mail: doctor@nachrichten.at
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Source: Nachrichten
