Biliary colic: what they are, symptoms and causes. How to prevent them?

The biliary colic or cholelithiasis consists of the accumulation of gallstones that are adhering inside the vesicle. They are characterized by being of the tiniest thing until they reach the size of a golf ball. Gallstones are manifested to a greater extent in n women, people over forty or those who are overweight.

Also, there are three types of biliary colic that are worth mentioning. First of all, we find cholesterol calculations that have nothing to do with an excess of this compound in the blood. This type has the peculiarity that the liver is not able to excrete and synthesize cholesterol, thus producing the accumulation of gallstones in the gallbladder.

There is also the biliary colic bilirubin that is produced when the red blood cells of the organism decompose unchecked, producing a high dose of bilirubin that the gallbladder is unable to dissolve.

Finally, it is also possible that gallstones are formed because the gallbladder has not been emptied correctly. In this way, there is a high concentration of cramps that accumulate with the mere passage of time.

Main causes of biliary colic

Biliary colics can be formed by a multitude of causes that we will describe in summary through the following lines.

  • Hereditary factors. It has been shown that some people in which their relatives have suffered from gallstones are more likely to suffer from this condition. This group also includes women or simply those over 40 years old.
  • Eating a diet rich in sugars, saturated fats with a continuous consumption of fast food, will cause the person in question to suffer from gallstones. Also sedentary lifestyle is closely related to the appearance of cholelithiasis.
  • Hepatic cirrhosis. A clear case of cirrhosis caused by alcoholism may also be closely related to the appearance of biliary colic. For this reason, it is always recommended to reduce the consumption of alcoholic beverages since the appearance of the first symptoms.

Symptoms of biliary colic

After knowing the causes that can produce the appearance of biliary colics, then we will emphasize the main symptoms that cause the appearance of these stones. In the first place, it is very characteristic strong pain throughout the abdominal area, just above where the gallbladder is located.

It is also possible the appearance of sickness Y vomiting after eating any food accompanied by mild fibrosis or yellowing of the skin or eyes, a condition called jaundice.

However, it is possible that if you suffer from chronic cholelithiasis, this condition is completely asymptomatic For this reason, it is very important that all the people mentioned above go to your trusted doctor so he can take a sample of his bile from time to time and be able to perform a more thorough analysis.

In summary, below we summarize what are the main symptoms of biliary colic:

  • Discomfort in the upper right part of the abdomen.
  • Sometimes this discomfort can be felt in the shoulder blade.
  • Nausea and vomiting can be common symptoms.

Treatment for biliary colics

In most cases, you will have to undergo surgery to extract a sample of your own bile through an operation called cholecystectomy that allows you to remove a sample of this fluid without any complication for the patient. .

It is also possible undergo a laparoscopy which consists of introducing a tiny camera through the abdomen cavity. At the end of it there is a small flashlight that allows you to identify the calculations. Thanks to this, the doctor can make 3 incisions in the affected area to remove colic.

The positive note of this operation is that scarcely leaves scar and allows to reduce the postoperative time since internal wounds will heal more quickly.

Tips to prevent biliary colic

The truth is that within the prevention of biliary colic, you can follow a series of tips and healthy habits that, precisely, help prevent them. We discover them below:

  • Drink two liters of water daily or other healthy drinks.
  • Avoid copious meals, especially those rich in fat.
  • Consume fresh fruit and vegetables every day, especially apples and carrots, which capture cholesterol in the intestine thanks to its pectin content.
  • Keep a diet rich in fiber every day.
This article is published for informational purposes only. It can not and should not replace the consultation with a Physician. We advise you to consult your Trusted Doctor. ThemesGallbladder

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