Gallstones
While gallstones usually form in the gallbladder; they can be found in bile; in the intrahepatic, hepatic, common bile, and cystic ducts. Gallstones ofen do not cause any symptoms. They are often discovered when having a routine x-ray, abdominal surgery, or abdominal ultrasound. When gallstones move from the gallbladder into the cystic duct of common bile duct, it can lead to severe cramping pain in the upper right abdomen. This can last from a few minutes to a few hours. Cholesterol gallstones are more often noticed in women who are obese, on HRT or with elevated blood triglyceride. Black pigment gallstones are usually formed when there is increased destruction of RBC. Others who are likely to suffer gallstones are those suffering liver cirrhosis and biliary tract infections or sickle cell anemia. Gallstones can form when the gallbladder does not empty bile properly. Blood tests to check bilirubin, liver function test and pancreatic enzymes are often prescribed. In cases of severe painful episodes, cholecystectomy is performed.
Fatty Liver
Liver usually has little or no fat. But when large vacuoles of triglyceride fat accumulate in liver cells, it is called a fatty liver condition. This happens due to abnormal retention of lipids called steatosis. In most cases, fatty liver does not present any symptoms.
Fatty Liver diseases
Non-alcoholic fatty liver: This condition can be treated with lifestyle changes.
Non-alcoholic steatorrhoeic hepatitis: This condition needs medical attention lest it deteriorate into liver cirrhosis.
Persons who lack exercise, are obese and who partake a high fat diet are prone to fatty liver. Diabetes and high alcohol intake are other contributory causes for fatty liver. Liver function test, liver ultrasound and biopsy might be done to detect the degree of liver malfunction.
A healthy lifestyle with regular exericise is vital to tackle fatty liver disease. Cholesterol and blood pressure will need to be monitored and treated.
Cholecystitis
Cholecystitis referes to severe abdominal pain associated with gallbladder inflammation or gallstones. Acute cholecystitis can manifest as sharp cramping pain in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen. It usually appears after a fatty meal. Cholecystitis might also lead to nausea and vomiting and often jaundice. Diagnostic tests that are prescribed to detect this condition are Liver function test, abdominal ultrasound and endoscopy. In many cases, cholecystitis can clear on its own, with the right low-fat diet and antibiotics. But in other cases, surgery may be needed to remove the gallbladder.
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