Gallstones in Louisiana
Ready to Consult a GI Physician?
Find a ProviderWhat are gallstones?
Gallstones are described as deposits of fluid that harden and form in the gallbladder. Your gallbladder is the pear-shaped organ on the right side of your abdomen, below your liver. Bile (digestive fluid) held inside that’s released into your small intestine sometimes forms a deposit and hardens before it’s able to get released.
The size of a gallstone can range from golf ball size to a tiny grain of sand. It’s possible to develop one gallstone at a time, but you can end up with multiple at the same time. It is also possible that some gallstones will resolve without treatment. However, when symptoms are present, it is an indicator that you should be evaluated by our GI team.
Learn more about gallstones, how they develop, and how they’re treated by requesting an appointment at one of our Louisiana GastroGroup & Endocenter locations. Our team of GI professionals will develop a plan that incorporates little downtime so you can get back to your regular routine.
What are the symptoms of gallstones?
Signs and symptoms will likely occur once a gallstone is stuck within a duct and causes a blockage. The following signs may come on quickly once a blockage is present:
- Sudden intensifying pain in the upper right portion of your abdomen
- Back pain between your shoulder blades
- Sudden intensifying pain in the center of your abdomen, below your breastbone
- Nausea or vomiting
- Pain in your right shoulder
These symptoms can last anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours. You should seek immediate care if you have pain that’s so intense you are unable to sit still or find a comfortable position. If you experience jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes) or have a high fever with chills, it is also important to receive urgent medical care.
In the case that you’ve had any of the symptoms outlined above, contact one of our Louisiana locations so one of our GI specialists can assist you.
What causes gallstones?
While there isn’t a clear cause for why gallstones happen, there may be a few risk factors that contribute. When your cholesterol levels are dissolved, they form into hard gallstones (cholesterol gallstones) in your gallbladder. It can also happen when your bile has too much bilirubin, causing pigment gallstones. A few of the additional risk factors for gallstones include:
- Being 40 years or older
- Having diabetes
- Being sedentary
- Eating a high-cholesterol diet
- Eating a low-fiber diet
- Eating a high-fat diet
- Having liver disease
When seeking treatment for gallstones, reach out to our Louisiana location for assistance. Our GI physicians will work alongside you to determine the treatment that’s ideal for you. Request a consultation at GastroGroup & Endocenter for more information.
Superior service when you need it
When you need relief, our GI experts will work swiftly to help you get back to your normal routine. If you've experience any of the listed symptoms for gallstones, request an appointment with our team in one of our Louisiana locations today. We will work diligently to find the root cause of your pain.
Reviews
Dr Trainor was very professional and friendly. He took out time to listen carefully to my concerns. He was very patient, and wasn't rushing me. That's important to me. I want come back to a Dr That's rushing me. He let me kno of everything that he was going to ck for and the procedure that I would be receiving. He gave me a med after listening to me carefully that he thought best would work for me. So I look forward to his continuance care. SINCERELY, LOUISE COUSIN
Your caring attention to my GI problem was much appreciated and you cured me of my miserable problem. Thanks.
Great explanation of my particular issue so I could understand. Dr was brief and to the point. Waiting lobby comfortable and wait time was short.
Dr. Mark Nicaud is awesome! He took plenty of time to listen to me explain my situation! His office & staff are awesome as well.
Dr. Albright is a very caring doctor, he LISTENS and answers questions without making you feel dumb. Highly recommend him.
10
Total Reviews
4.9
Average Rating