A third of people who have suffered through an episode of intense pain due to gallstones never have a second attack.
For this reason, many doctors recommend a wait and see approach after the first episode.
Certain basic lifestyle changes, like reducing the amount of fat in the diet, may help prevent mild occasional attacks.
A person with gallstones may be able to manage painful attacks by applying heat to the affected area, resting and taking pain relievers that are not likely to further upset the stomach such as Tylenol.
Medical attention is required in the event of severe pain or if the whites of the eyes turn yellowish.
Surgical removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy) is the usual treatment for people who experience frequent and recurring attacks.
Minimally invasive surgery allows the surgeon to make a small incision and remove the gallbladder through a long tube.
It is a safe and effective procedure with less pain and shorter recovery period than traditional open surgery.
There is also a non-surgical method of treatment known as lithotripsy.
This is a shock wave therapy where high frequency sound waves are used to break gallstones.
The patient is then given supplemental bile salts which break up the remaining fragments.
Bile salt tablets on their own are a potential way to deal with gallstones.
The idea is to gradually increase the balance of bile salts in the gallbladder.
This is a long-term approach as it can take several months to achieve results, especially with large stones that may have built up over time.
Alternative approaches to treat gallstones include homeopathy, herbal therapy and acupuncture.
Changes in diet can also help diminish the production of gallstones and relieve painful symptoms.
A balanced diet, maintenance of a proper weight and adequate exercise can also help prevent gallstones from forming.
Many patients have what are called "silent gallstones" that produce no symptoms.
They are usually detected only if their presence is indicated by lab tests for the diagnosis of other problems.
Treatment of these types of gallstones is not recommended.
Surgery is the recommended course for those who suffer with gallstones that frequently cause pain or that prevent the patient from enjoying a normal life.
Severe cases, if left untreated, can cause severe inflammation and possibly even a rupturing of the gallbladder which can be fatal.
Prevention is the best route to take with gallstones.
Eating right and exercising to minimize risk factors is far better than dealing with painful attacks and the specter of surgery.
For this reason, many doctors recommend a wait and see approach after the first episode.
Certain basic lifestyle changes, like reducing the amount of fat in the diet, may help prevent mild occasional attacks.
A person with gallstones may be able to manage painful attacks by applying heat to the affected area, resting and taking pain relievers that are not likely to further upset the stomach such as Tylenol.
Medical attention is required in the event of severe pain or if the whites of the eyes turn yellowish.
Surgical removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy) is the usual treatment for people who experience frequent and recurring attacks.
Minimally invasive surgery allows the surgeon to make a small incision and remove the gallbladder through a long tube.
It is a safe and effective procedure with less pain and shorter recovery period than traditional open surgery.
There is also a non-surgical method of treatment known as lithotripsy.
This is a shock wave therapy where high frequency sound waves are used to break gallstones.
The patient is then given supplemental bile salts which break up the remaining fragments.
Bile salt tablets on their own are a potential way to deal with gallstones.
The idea is to gradually increase the balance of bile salts in the gallbladder.
This is a long-term approach as it can take several months to achieve results, especially with large stones that may have built up over time.
Alternative approaches to treat gallstones include homeopathy, herbal therapy and acupuncture.
Changes in diet can also help diminish the production of gallstones and relieve painful symptoms.
A balanced diet, maintenance of a proper weight and adequate exercise can also help prevent gallstones from forming.
Many patients have what are called "silent gallstones" that produce no symptoms.
They are usually detected only if their presence is indicated by lab tests for the diagnosis of other problems.
Treatment of these types of gallstones is not recommended.
Surgery is the recommended course for those who suffer with gallstones that frequently cause pain or that prevent the patient from enjoying a normal life.
Severe cases, if left untreated, can cause severe inflammation and possibly even a rupturing of the gallbladder which can be fatal.
Prevention is the best route to take with gallstones.
Eating right and exercising to minimize risk factors is far better than dealing with painful attacks and the specter of surgery.