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Gallbladder Disease

Gallbladder Disease

Persons with high blood cholesterol levels or those suffering from Crohn's disease or ulcerative colities are at increased risk for gallbladder disease. Gallbladder disease can result from either inflammation or presence of gall stones. Cholecystitis refers to inflammation of the gallbladder. Cholelithiasis is a gallbladder disease caused due to gall stones. Gallstones are noticed more in women than men. Gallstones form when the bile composition undergoes change. This can occur due to severe illness, alcohol abuse or tumors. Incidence of gallstones increases with age. Estrogen intake and lipid-lowering agents can play a role in formation of gallstones. Obesity, liver cirrhosis and peptic ulcers can lead to gallstones. Fatty diets and high cholesterol are most often the leading causes for formation of gallbladder stones. Diabetics are at higher risk for gallstones.

Symptoms of Gallbladder Disease include pain in the upper abdomen or under the right shoulder. A patient suffering from gallbladder disease has abdominal bloating, nausea and gas. There is indigestion. Abdominal pain worsens on consumption of fatty food. There might be chest pain too. Gallbladder disease can also lead to chronic nausea. Often people can live with gallstones and not realize it since they do not exhibit any symptoms. When gallstones move into the bile duct, they can lead to complications such as liver damage and jaundice.

Blood tests can check for liver function. Ultrasound scans aid in detecting gallbladder stones. CT scans or MRI scans are sometimes resorted to. MRI scans aid in viewing the bile ducts. Oral cholecystorgram aids in evaluating the functioning of the gall bladder. Pancreatic inflammation can be detected by checking blood amylase levels. Low level radioactive tracers are sent by a Heida scan to assess gallbladder functioning. You can lower the risks of gallbladder disease by keeping your weight under check and regular exercise regimen. This can help keep cholesterol and sugar levels under control. Laparoscopic surgery is used to remove the gall bladder. This is resorted to in case of inflammation of the pancreas or acute attack of gallbladder disease. This prevents recurrence of gall stones.

Abdominal Ultrasound

Abdominal ultrasound is specifically used to detect any abnormalities of the abdominal organs and other structures in the upper abdominal regions. An abdominal ultrasound can aid in determining the cause of abdominal pain or monitoring an abdominal aneurysm. It is mainly used to detect gall stones and tumors. Problems of the liver such as jaundice, cirrhosis or fatty deposits can be evaluated with abdominal ultrasound. Enlarged spleen, pancreatis and blocked bile ducts can be diagnosed with an abdominal ultrasound. Extreme obesity and gas or other materials in the stomach or intestines can affect the accuracy of an abdominal ultrasound. An abdominal ultrasound can aid placement of needle or other instrument during biopsy. Any fluid buildup in the abdominal cavity can be detected.