Gallstone disease is a process of violation of the composition of bile, as a result of which dense compounds - stones - form in the ducts and the bladder itself.
Gallstones: causes of the disease
Etiological factors include:
1. Infectious-inflammatory reactions in the body as a whole and directly in the liver and biliary tract. The mechanism of stone formation in this situation is quite simple: dead bacteria are a substrate for the sedimentation of bile and other elements, as a result of which stones are formed.
2. Stones in the gallbladder are formed as a result of the work of some glands with:
- diabetes;
- decreased production of thyroid hormones;
- deviation from the norm of the concentration of sex hormones in patients receiving contraceptives or pregnancy.
3. Lipid disorders:
- atherosclerosis;
- gout;
- increased body weight.
4. An increase above the normal concentration of bilirubin in the composition of bile, which is observed with anemia, accompanied by the death of red blood cells.
5. A burdened hereditary history.
6. Constant adherence to a low-calorie diet, systematic fasting days, fasting.
7. Excessive consumption of fatty foods, processed foods and preservatives.
Pathogenesis of the disease
Stones in the gallbladder appear as a result of a violation of the composition of bile and its evacuation. Due to some factors, bile begins to stagnate in the bubble, its components are sorbed on dense particles and stones form.
According to the structure, stones with a predominant cholesterol, pigment component or mixed character are distinguished.
Symptoms of the manifestation of the disease
Gallstones may not clinically manifest themselves for a long time. It must be understood that the main clinical manifestations of the disease occur when the stones clog the ducts or pass through them. This situation provokes the occurrence of hepatic colic - this is an intense pain syndrome that does not stop with antispasmodics and is localized directly in the right hypochondrium. Often, patients with colic can be found in the right hypochondrium traces of heating pads - so people try to stop the pain.
Jaundice is the result of stagnation of bile and one of the most frequent manifestations of blockage of the bladder or ducts. The process of forming a change in the color of the skin and mucous membranes (acquire a yellow tint) is reduced to the fact that some components of the bile contents are absorbed into the blood, and staining occurs. The longer this process lasts without treatment, the stronger the staining is noticeably.
Stones in the gallbladder provoke the formation of dyspeptic symptoms, heartburn, a feeling of bitterness in the mouth. Patients report increased pain and other symptoms after eating fatty or smoked.
Sometimes fecal discoloration and darkening of urine may occur. In the presence of jaundice, patients note a decrease in sebum production and itching.
Sometimes cholelithiasis can only manifest itself as a cardiac symptom - this greatly complicates the diagnosis of the disease and exacerbates the severity of the process.
The stones in the bladder and ducts can be of various sizes - from the smallest to the largest. If the stones in the gallbladder are small, then most likely the patient will be disturbed by intense hepatic colic, as a result of their passage through the ducts.
It must be understood that the treatment of cholelithiasis consists in the surgical removal of not only the stones themselves, but also the gallbladder. However, in this disease there is a rule: "do not hurt - do not touch!". This means, if the stones do not cause inconvenience to the patient, then no medical measures should be taken. But when the stage of clinical manifestations begins, it is necessary to think about treatment methods.