
What Kind of Stomach Pain Could Indicate Gallstones?
Stomach pain is often overlooked, and many people ignore their health, assuming the pain will subside on its own. Some may opt for over-the-counter medications to relieve the symptoms. However, minor stomach pain could be an early sign of a serious illness that may gradually deteriorate overall health.
While stomach pain is commonly associated with gastritis, it could also indicate something more severe, such as gallstones. Today, Synphaet Thepharak Hospital will help you distinguish between gastritis and gallstones, so you can take preventive measures and seek proper treatment promptly.
Differences Between Gastritis and Gallstones
Here are the key differences between gastritis and gallstones:
Gastritis
Gastritis is characterized by burning stomach pain, bloating, and sometimes gas accumulation. The pain usually occurs before or after meals.
Risk Factors
Risk factors for gastritis include bacterial infections and lifestyle habits such as irregular eating schedules, alcohol consumption, and stress, all of which can contribute to the disease.
Diagnosis
Doctors diagnose gastritis by reviewing the patient’s medical history and conducting appropriate examinations, such as endoscopy, blood tests, or tissue biopsies to detect abnormalities.
Treatment
Treatment for gastritis includes lifestyle adjustments, such as eating nutritious meals at regular intervals, managing stress, and following a physician’s medication recommendations.
Gallstones
Gallstones form due to the accumulation of bilirubin and high cholesterol levels, leading to crystallization inside the gallbladder. Gallstones can range in size from tiny granules to as large as a ping pong ball, and there can be a single stone or hundreds of them. This condition causes pain, bloating, and sometimes sharp pain radiating to the back.
Risk Factors
Risk factors for gallstones include high cholesterol levels and obesity.
Diagnosis
Doctors will conduct a detailed medical history review, and if gallstones are suspected, an ultrasound scan of the upper abdomen will be performed to identify the presence and number of stones.
Treatment
Treatment options for gallstones include:
- Laparoscopic surgery, a minimally invasive technique with smaller incisions, reducing risks to surrounding organs.
- Open surgery, where a larger incision is made at the right rib cage, usually for severe cases with complications.
Early Symptoms to Observe
Pain Location
Pain usually occurs beneath the sternum or under the right rib cage.
Pain Characteristics
Symptoms include bloating, cramping, and excessive gas, sometimes radiating to the back.
Pain Duration
Pain typically occurs after meals, lasting 30 minutes to an hour, and may flare up at night for 1-2 hours.
Trigger Factors
A diet high in cholesterol and fat can increase gallstone formation.
Other Symptoms
In some cases, gallstones can cause complications such as:
- Cholecystitis, which leads to severe pain, tenderness in the gallbladder area, chills, and fever.
- Liver and pancreatic inflammation, which may cause jaundice.
- If the gallstones are large, there is an increased risk of gallbladder cancer.
When to See a Doctor?
If abdominal pain becomes frequent, increases in severity, or is accompanied by fever, chills, or radiating back pain, it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately.
Conclusion
If you frequently experience stomach pain with increasing severity, you may have gallstones. Seek medical evaluation for early detection and appropriate treatment. Synphaet Lam Luk Ka offers specialized gallstone treatment with expert surgeons and advanced technology.