Difference between gallstones and kidney stones

Gallstones cause pain in the mid-upper abdomen that may radiate to the back or under the right shoulder. Where it hurts: Kidney stones cause sharp pain in the lower back or side of the body that may radiate to the lower abdomen and groin. Nausea, vomiting, sweating, fever.

Gallstones and kidney stones — they sound similar, and they’re often easily confused. They’re both called stones, but the truth is that they are two very different conditions. Gallstones and kidney stones differ in location, causes, symptoms, and treatment. But they do have one thing in common: abdominal pain.

True or false? A:Small gallstones can sometimes pass on their own. If stones are small enough, they may exit the gallbladder and pass through the bile ducts, into the intestine, where they are then excreted in your stool.

Passing Gallstones

Dr. McKenzie says some small gallstones leave your gallbladder and pass into your bile ducts. The stones that don’t get stuck move into the small bowel and are passed in your stool.

When they try to pass through the tiny bile duct to the small intestine, inflammation and severe pain set in. Lasting from a few minutes to a few hours, the pain can feel like indigestion or similar to a feeling of fullness.

Drink Lots of Water

Water helps the organ empty and keeps bile from building up. This protects against gallstones and other problems. Sipping more also can help you slim down. Research shows people who drink more water eat fewer calories and less sugar.

Men who drink two to three cups of coffee a day have a 4% lower risk of developing gallstones than those who do not drink coffee regularly, and men who drink four or more cups a day have a 45% lower risk, according to a new study.

Nothing can be done to stop an attack while it’s happening. The pain typically subsides once the gallstone has passed. “Gallbladder attacks are often so painful that people end up in the emergency room,” says Efron.

For gallbladder health, a heated compress can calm spasms and relieve pressure from bile buildup. To relieve gallbladder pain, wet a towel with warm water and apply it to the affected area for 10 to 15 minutes. You can also use a heating pad or hot water bottle for the same effect.

The gallbladder produces bile that helps the body digest fats. A high intake of fats, and especially saturated and trans fats, may put extra strain on this process. Researchers have found that people who consume red, processed meats, and egg as part of an overall unhealthful diet have a higher risk of gallstones.

Cholesterol-rich foods to avoid or eat sparingly include egg yolks, shrimp and liver. Fibre in the diet helps guard against gallstones by binding to food cholesterol and bile in the gut, causing their removal from the body.

Sucking lemons is a simplified version of the traditional European folk remedy that combines lemon juice with olive oil to make a gallbladder “flush.” Natural healers may use this remedy to relieve symptoms of gallbladder distress, and some claim it can help you avoid surgery and gallstone removal.

Broccoli, bell peppers and oranges are high in fiber and vitamin C, which if lacking can contribute to gallstones. Pectin-rich fruits — such as apples, strawberries and citrus — can also help, according to RawPeople.com.

Tips for eating more vegetables and fruit

Add fruit such as banana or berries or a handful of dried fruit on breakfast cereal. Add salad to your sandwich fillings. Have a healthy dessert: try whole fruit, fruit salad, fruit tinned in juice or stewed fruit.

Prevention of further gallstones

A healthy, well balanced diet is recommended to prevent formation of further gallstones. Eat more fibre – choose mostly seeded wholemeal bread, oats, brown rice, wholemeal pasta and noodles. Eat potatoes with skins. Eat at least 5 portions of fruits, vegetables and salad every day.

But these desserts can be quite high in fat and if you’re following a diet for gallbladder health, you’ll have to avoid them. Instead, choose fruit and yogurt, non-dairy frozen desserts, fruit pies, or light cookies. Salty treats, like pretzels and chips, must also be avoided, unfortunately.

Stones in the common bile duct can be removed without surgery by using a scope. Removal of the gallbladder requires surgery, which is typically done laparoscopically (a minimally invasive surgical procedure).