When abdominal pain is experienced regularly after eating a large meal this could be a sign of Gallstones.The Gallbladder is a 7 to 10 cm pear-shaped organ found under the liver in the upper right region of the abdomen.
When healthy, its main function is to stores bile, a compound produced by the liver to digest fat to help the body absorb fat-soluble vitamins and nutrients. However when it stops functioning correctly a chemical change in the bile make-up creates Gallstones, causing mild discomfort to severe cramping in the upper right side of the abdomen.
People more likely to suffer are females over forty, diabetics, obese people and those consuming a diet high in fat or women who have extra oestrogen due to hormonal replacement therapy, birth control or pregnancy.
A physical examination will reveal tenderness and a blood test will show up signs of jaundice and inflammation caused by gallstones.
It is essential to have an Abdominal ultrasound as with the use of this simple scan the gallstones can be easily detected and the necessary treatment prescribed rapidly relieving the pain. If however the gallstone are deep in the abdomen it will be necesssary to perform a CT or MRI scan to give a clear diagnosis.
[:]