Overview

Types include cholesterol stones (most common) and pigment stones. Risk increases with age, obesity, and high-fat diets.

Causes

• Imbalance in bile contents
• Slow gallbladder emptying
• Hormones (pregnancy, birth control)

Symptoms

• Sudden upper right abdominal pain
• Nausea, vomiting
• Pain after fatty meals
• Jaundice (if obstructing duct)

Treatment: Modern Medicine

• Diagnosis: Ultrasound, liver function tests
• Treatment:
  • Pain control, dietary management
  • Surgery (laparoscopic cholecystectomy)
  • Ursodiol to dissolve stones (limited use)

Treatment: Traditional Medicine

• Ayurveda: Bhumi amla, Kalmegh, Trikatu; Pitta balance
• Siddha/Unani: Bitter tonics to dissolve gallstones
• TCM: Yin Chen Hao decoction, bile circulation support
• Homeopathy: Chelidonium, Carduus marianus
• Nutraceuticals: Lecithin, Vitamin C, Milk thistle

Caution

• Pain may mimic heart attack – seek evaluation
• Avoid high-fat meals

Prevention

• Low-fat, high-fiber diet
• Maintain healthy weight
• Avoid crash diets