Description of Gall Bladder Stone
Stones occurring in the urinary bladder, which may be of three different types: phosphatic, the most common type, associated with recurrent inflammation and decomposition of the urine contained in the bladder; uratic (particularly in persons suffering from gout); and oxalic. The stones are usually quite small but are too large to be passed with the urine. However, they may occasionally be of considerable size and weight.
Persons most commonly affected by Gall Bladder Stone - adults of all age groups and both sexes.
Organ or part of body involved in Gall Bladder Stone - urinary bladder.
Symptoms and indications of Gall Bladder Stone
The symptoms are those of inflammation of the bladder, including pain on passing urine, feeling the need to urinate frequently although little or nothing is passed, and blood in the urine, or the urine may be cloudy and the person may experience abdominal pain or discomfort and feverishness. A person with symptoms of bladder inflammation should seek medical advice.
Treatment of Gall Bladder Stone
Prompt treatment of any bladder infection that arises, drinking plenty of fluids and adjustment in diet are measures that help to prevent the formation of stones in susceptible people. However, once the stones are formed, and if they are too large to be passed with the urine, the only treatment available is surgical removal. This may be performed in two ways. Lithoplaxy involves passing an instrument (lithotrite) into the bladder via the urethra, which breaks up the stones into small pieces that can pass to the outside. Lithotomy is the name given to direct removal of stones through an incision made in the bladder and is the method needed for larger stones. If infection has been present, antibiotics may be prescribed and possibly drugs to alter the acidity of the urine.
Causes and risk factors of Gall Bladder Stone
Stones grow for a variety of reasons but mainly because of the presence in the urine of an excess of salts or minerals from which they are formed. This may occur because of a number of causes and disorders, including bladder infections, gout and thyroid disorders. Also, excess consumption of certain foods containing the minerals from which stones are formed in susceptible people and some hereditary conditions. Other risk factors include illness or injury to the bladder, and dehydration and inadequate drinking of fluids.
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