Gallbladder sludge may lead to gallstones in the elderly. Gallbladder sludge, also known as biliary sludge, is a gel-like bile, a potential precursor to cholesterol stones. In the majority of cases, this sludge does not form into stones and can easily dissolve in the gallbladder.
Biliary sludge is normal and can be detected through ultrasound. It contains sediments of calcium bilirubinate granules, cholesterol crystals, and mucus. Generally, gallbladder sludge is not a problem unless it is present for an extended period. If persistent or excessive, it could contribute to the formation of gallstones.
Causes and symptoms of sludge in gallbladder
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Bile is constantly concentrating in the gallbladder. When water is removed, bilirubinate granules and cholesterol sediments remain. Mucus from the gallbladder lining then mixes with these sediments, but bodily processes ultimately clear out the sludge.
Gallbladder sludge is more commonly seen in pregnant women, as well as people on a strict diet or partaking in excessive fasting.
Gallbladder sludge is often symptomless unless cholesterol stones are formed. In this case, a person will experience symptoms related to the stones, not the sludge. Sometimes, gallbladder sludge may lead to inflammation of the gallbladder, even when stones are not present. The primary symptom is often abdominal pain, especially on your upper right side under the ribs. This pain may increase shortly after a meal.
Other symptoms may include chest pain, right shoulder pain, nausea, vomiting, and clay-like stool.
Gallbladder sludge risk factors and complications
Women are at a greater risk for gallbladder sludge than men. Native Americans have also been found to have gallbladder sludge more often than other ethnicities. Other risk factors include being diabetic, being pregnant, having a critical illness, being overweight and then losing a substantial amount of weight, and having undergone an organ transplant.
Gallbladder or biliary sludge is a mixture of small particle solids that accumulated from bile, a fluid stored in the gallbladder that helps in the process of digestion. This sludge can cause severe pain and discomfort to those affected. These symptoms may resemble that of gallstones, but gallbladder sludge is instead thickened bile that has remained in the gallbladder for too long.
Gallstones and sludge in gallbladder
Most of us are probably living with sludge in our gallbladder at this present moment, but because it does not cause any symptoms we are unaware of it. The sediments in the gallbladder from the sludge can contribute to the formation of gallstones, which result in pronounced symptoms such as pain.
If the stones are small enough, they will easily pass through the body and either come with symptoms or end up being symptomless.
The only way to know for sure if you have gallbladder sludge is with an ultrasound or X-ray. In many cases, no treatment will be required, but your doctor will inform you of the possible risk of developing gallstones in the future.
Treatment options for gallbladder sludge
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Gallbladder sludge does not require treatment unless it progresses to gallstones. To prevent gallbladder sludge, you should avoid losing excess weight quickly, avoid crash or fad diets, and consume plenty of fiber.
Treatment for gallstones includes taking pain-relieving medication, lithotripsy, inducing polyuria, and surgery.
If you continue to experience symptoms despite all your efforts, going to the emergency room is a wise choice. If you choose not to seek professional care, you might experience the eventual complications of gallbladder pain, which includes discomfort while eating, weight loss, electrolyte abnormalities, and a decrease in quality of life. Seeing a medical professional is always a great idea when you are not sure why you are experiencing pain.
Mohan Garikiparithi got his degree in medicine from Osmania University (University of Health Sciences). He practiced clinical medicine for over a decade before he shifted his focus to the field of health communications. During his active practice he served as the head of the Dept. of Microbiology in a diagnostic centre in India. On a three-year communications program in Germany, Mohan developed a keen interest in German Medicine (Homoeopathy), and other alternative systems of medicine. He now advocates treating different medical conditions without the use of traditional drugs. An ardent squash player, Mohan believes in the importance of fitness and wellness.
