There are more than three million cases of gallstones every year, but the severity can range from barely noticeable to extremely painful.

A gallstone is a hardened deposit of digestive fluid that is almost stone-like and form in the gallbladder, which is beneath the liver.

In most instances when it becomes noticeable and painful for a person, the gallstone blocks a bile duct.

Deptford Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing has a look at the symptoms of gallstone issues and how they are treated.

Causes and Symptoms

One of the most common conditions that can cause gallstones to form in the body more easily is obesity. In addition, losing weight very rapidly also can increase the chances of them forming.

Chances are you won’t feel gallstones until they block a bile duct. When that happens, bile builds up in your gallbladder and can cause sharp pain in the upper-right part of the abdomen.

The stone can move on its own and relieve the pain, or it can remain in place and cause potential complications of the gallbladder, liver, or pancreas.

The size of the stones is a big part of this. They can range in size from a grain of sand up to a golf ball.

Treatment for a Gallstone Attack

There are some medications and therapies available to try and dissolve gallstones, but oftentimes, endoscopic surgery will be performed to remove the stone. If it becomes a chronic issue, the gallbladder can be removed entirely.

Your body can function without a gallbladder. Its purpose is to collect bile and help with digestion. If you don’t have one, the bile is released directly into the small intestine, so the body can have a bit more trouble digesting fatty, greasy foods or those high in fiber, but overall, it’s not a huge complication to not have a gallbladder.

To learn more about Deptford Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing and all of the services they offer, visit http://deptford-center.facilities.centershealthcare.org.