Gallstones are small solid particles formed in the gallbladder. These are made up of cholesterol and bile. When they block the bile duct, there is severe pain in the stomach that can spread to the back or shoulders.

No symptoms are visible in the beginning. But as the stones grow, pain is accompanied by nausea, vomiting and discomfort after eating oily food.

This problem is especially common in women, people above 40 years of age and obese people. Losing weight too fast or having repeated pregnancies also increases the risk.

Sometimes this problem takes a serious form which is called acute cholecystitis. In this, the gallbladder gets completely blocked and the patient shows symptoms like fever, chills and vomiting. In such a situation, it is important to immediately contact a doctor.

If the pain is mild, then medication and improvement in diet can provide relief. But if the pain occurs repeatedly, doctors recommend removing the gall bladder through laparoscopic surgery.

To avoid gallstones, eat less fried foods, lose weight gradually and do light exercise daily. It is also important to drink enough water so that the bile in the body is balanced.

The best way is to get abdominal ultrasound done once a year so that problems like gallstones can be detected in time and treatment can be easy.