Signs And Syptoms Of Gallstones
The majority of people with gallstones have no signs or symptoms and are unaware of their gallstones. The gallstones are "silent".The gallstones often are found as a result of tests for example,ultrasound or X-ray examination of the abdomen performed while evaluating medical conditions other than gallstones. Symptoms …show more content…
Gallstones may form if bile contains too much cholesterol, too much bilirubin, or not enough bile salts. Scientists do not fully understand why these imbalances occur. Gallstones also may form if the gallbladder does not empty completely or often enough. People At Risk
Certain people have a higher risk of developing gallstones than others.
• Women are more likely to develop gallstones than men. Extra estrogen can increase cholesterol levels in bile and decrease gallbladder contractions, which may cause gallstones to form. Women may have extra estrogen due to pregnancy, hormone replacement therapy, or birth control pills.
• People over age 40 are more likely to develop gallstones than younger people.
• People with a family history of gallstones have a higher risk.
• American Indians have genetic factors that increase the amount of cholesterol in their bile. In fact, American Indians have the highest rate of gallstones in the United States—almost 65 percent of women and 30 percent of men have gallstones.
• Mexican Americans are at higher risk of developing gallstones. Treatment For