Overview:
Gallstones are solid deposits that form in the gallbladder, a small organ responsible for storing bile. These stones can vary in size and may lead to blockages, causing pain and digestive issues.

Causes:
Gallstones develop due to an imbalance in bile composition, often from excess cholesterol, bilirubin, or bile salts. Risk factors include obesity, a high-fat diet, rapid weight loss, diabetes, liver disease, and genetic predisposition.

Symptoms:
Common symptoms include sudden, intense pain in the upper right abdomen (especially after eating fatty foods), nausea, vomiting, bloating, indigestion, and jaundice if bile ducts are blocked. Some cases may be asymptomatic.

Treatment:
Treatment depends on symptom severity. Small gallstones may not require intervention, while larger or symptomatic stones may need medication, lifestyle changes, or surgical removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy). Minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery is the preferred method.

Precautions:
To reduce the risk of gallstones, maintain a healthy weight, consume a balanced diet rich in fiber and low in unhealthy fats, stay hydrated, and engage in regular physical activity.

Prevention:
Gradual weight management, avoiding crash diets, and including healthy fats in moderation can help prevent gallstone formation.

For expert gallstone treatment, visit The KDM Hospital in Lucknow, offering ambulance services, budget-friendly care, Ayushman card acceptance, and 24/7 doctor availability.