Gallbladder Stone Pain and Kidney Stone Pain: Key Differences
Gallstones and kidney stones are common conditions with similar names. Both conditions lead to the formation of small stones and can be very painful. These two disorders are easily confused. There are, however, major distinctions in the etiology, symptoms, and treatment of Gall bladder stone treatment and Kidney Stone treatment.
What are gallstones?
Gallstones are crystalline deposits of fluid in the gallbladder. Some people have one gallstone at a time, while other people can develop several at a time. Gallstones form in a variety of sizes. Some gallstones are as small as a grain of rice while others are as big as a golf ball.
The most common causes include:
- Abnormal emptying of the gallbladder: If the gallbladder does not empty often enough or completely, this can lead to a high concentration of bile. This can lead to the formation of crystals in the gallbladder.
- Excessive amounts of cholesterol in bile: When your liver excretes more cholesterol than your bile can dissolve, the excess bile can form crystals. Over time, these crystals can form gallstones.
- Excess bilirubin in bile: Bilirubin is produced by your body when red blood cells are broken down. Certain medical problems lead your liver to produce an excessive amount of bilirubin. This can lead to Gallstones.
What are kidney stones?
A kidney stone forms from chemicals in the urine. If there is not enough liquid in the urine or there is too much waste, the chemicals can clump together and form crystals. If the kidney cannot remove them, these crystals can attract other chemicals and elements and form hard kidney stones.
Kidney stones are classified into four types:
- Calcium: Calcium stones are the most common form of kidney stones. They are usually the result of factors such as diet, high levels of vitamin D, metabolic disorders, or gastric bypass surgery.
- Struvite: Because of urinary tract infections, Struvite stones form.
- Uric Acid: Uric acid stones are commonly formed as a result of fluid loss caused by persistent diarrhoea or malabsorption. They can also form as a result of a high-protein diet, diabetes, and some metabolic disorders.
- Cystine: Cystine stones form in people with an inherited condition called cystinuria.
How do the conditions differ?
Gallstones and kidney stones are very different stones. They have various effects on different organs, have different sources, and produce diverse symptoms. Kidney stones form in the kidney and are often related to factors such as diet and hydration. Gallstones form in the gallbladder and are generally related to overall digestive health and liver function.
What are the symptoms of gallstones?
When gallstones become lodged in the ducts, they can cause a blockage. This can result in symptoms like:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Sudden pain in the upper right part of the stomach, which keeps getting worse
- Sudden pain in the middle of the stomach that gets worse and worse
- Pain between the shoulder blades
- Pain in the right shoulder
What are the symptoms of kidney stones?
The symptoms of kidney stones vary according to the size of the stone. Kidney stones typically result in more severe symptoms.
Common symptoms are:
- severe back pain
- Blood in the urine
- Lower or lateral abdominal pain
- Increased urinary frequency
- Fever
- Chills
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Also Read more about Gall Bladder Stone and How It can be Prevented and lead a healthier lifestyle.
What is the treatment of gallstones?
In many cases, your doctor may recommend that you watch for symptoms that indicate you need gall bladder stone treatment. If treatment is required, options include:
- Medications to dissolve gallstones: Sometimes prescription medications can be used to dissolve gallstones. These drugs can take months to work; they’re not always a permanent solution.
- Gallbladder removal surgery: Because gallstones often recur, gallbladder removal surgery is sometimes a good option for people with severe symptoms. The gallbladder can be removed without serious health consequences.
What is the treatment for kidney stones?
Treatment of kidney stones is determined by the size of the stone. Several prescription drugs can help lower urine acidity, allowing it to pass more readily. Larger stones, which could cause severe symptoms or cause an infection, sometimes require surgery.
Surgical options include:
- Shockwave lithotripsy
- Ureteroscopy
- Nephrolithotomy
Although pain from a stone usually occurs in the upper right quadrant of your abdomen, you may feel that the pain is coming from your back or right shoulder. If you experience nausea and vomiting, it’s time to see your doctor for gallbladder stone treatment. If you have abdominal pain, do not hesitate to consult a doctor.