According to Prof. Ari Fahrial Syam, MD, PhD, MMB, FACP, FACG as President of ISDE and Consultant of Hepatology Gastroenterology, gallstones have typical symptoms of heartburn caused by inflammation of the gallbladder. Gallstones are shaped like crystals and vary in size from a grain of sand to larger than a golf ball. If further analyzed gallstones consist of cholesterol stones and pigment stones.

Gallstones that block the cystic duct, the tube that connects the gallbladder to the central bile duct, can cause pain and sometimes inflammation. The attacks of pain occur suddenly and last up to several hours.

If there is persistent pain in the upper abdomen, immediately consult a doctor to find out if there is a bile disorder.

An abdominal ultrasound examination is performed to determine whether there is an acute or chronic inflammation of the gallbladder. And, to determine whether there is a widening of the bile duct.

When viewed from the age factor, about 20% of cases of gallbladder disorders occur in those who are over 40 years old and are more experienced women.

Risk factors for gallstones include obesity, diabetes, low HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol), high triglycerides, hypertension, and high blood sugar. A diet high in fat, high cholesterol, low in fiber, and sudden weight loss can also cause gallbladder stones to form.

Source: https://amp.kompas.com/ekonomi/read/2012/03/16/13165677/index.html

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