It can be painful to have gallbladder attacks.If your gallbladder is causing problems, you may need to have surgery, even if you don't like it.You can try other options if you only have minor attacks.It's always a good idea to see your doctor first, and they may suggest you take medication or do soundwave therapy to reduce your gallstones.You can change your diet and make lifestyle changes at home to help heal your gallbladder.
Step 1: If you have sudden abdominal pain, see the doctor.
The pain can be found in the upper right of the abdomen or under the breastbone.The pain may come on all at once and then get worse.You may experience pain in your right shoulder, as well as nausea and vomiting.If your pain is so bad you can't get comfortable or you have a high temperature, you should go to the emergency room.Jaundice is a symptom that requires immediate medical care.
Step 2: Prepare for the physical exam.
The doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms, so come prepared to talk about when they came on and how often you have them.They may feel your stomach to see if it's caused by something else.The doctor may want to make sure the pain is not from an illness.Your doctor may want to do other tests as well, such as a HIDA Scan or an ERCP Scan.
Step 3: If your doctor requests an abortion, it will take eight hours.
They might want you to go in with an empty stomach to make it easier to see what's happening.Depending on your doctor's instructions, you can only have water on these fasts.They will usually put a gel on your abdomen and run a wand-like device over it to look at your gallbladder.It won't hurt.
Step 4: There will be blood tests to check for other problems.
A blood test can show if you have a problem with your gallbladder.There are problems with your gallbladder that can cause you to be jaundiced.A technician will draw your blood with a needle and send it off to be tested.
Step 5: Discuss the use of ursodeoxycholic acid tablets to break up gallstones.
Sometimes this treatment is used for people who can't have surgery.It's not always effective if your doctor allows you to try it.It can take a long time for this treatment to work.If they ever are, you may need to take these medications for up to 2 years.chenodiol and Actigall are the most common medications prescribed for gallstones.You can stop taking these medications and have stones recur.
Step 6: If it is an option, ask.
This treatment uses sound waves.The machines used to perform the procedure aren't very common, and it's only done in a clinic or hospital.It can be used to treat gallstones.This treatment is usually only used for people with small, soft stones.After this treatment, stones can reoccur.
Step 7: Wait to see if you have a second attack.
It's possible that you won't have symptoms again if you only have a mild attack.About a third of people don't have another attack.You can wait to see if your situation improves before making a decision.
Step 8: It's a good idea to cut back on the fat.
It's a good idea to limit your intake of fat foods.Cutting back too much can cause you to lose weight too quickly.Fatiguing foods should be eaten in moderation.Discuss the amount of fat in your diet with your doctor.They suggest you focus on healthy fats like nuts, avocados, vegetable oil, and olive oil.
Step 9: Discuss cutting dairy products from your diet.
Some types of gallstones may be made worse by dairy products.If that's the case for you, talk to your doctor to see if you can reduce your intake or eliminate these foods from your diet.Cow's milk, cheese, yogurt, ice cream, and butter are dairy products.
Step 10: The fiber must be increased.
Increased fiber may make you less likely to need surgery.Try to incorporate more of the fiber found in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains into your diet.Fruits and veggies should be eaten at least 5 times a day.You can eat fresh fruits and vegetables.There are many health benefits to frozen and canned food.Don't forget to choose no-sugar and low-sodium options.Whole wheat bread, whole wheat pasta, oatmeal, bulgur, quinoa, barley, and buckwheat are just a few of the whole grains.
Step 11: You should eat at least 4-5 ounces of nuts a week.
Almonds, walnuts, pecans, pistachios, and peanuts are all fine.It is possible to reduce your chances of needing surgery by eating nuts.Scientists don't know why nuts help you avoid a gallbladder surgery, but they do know that nuts have a number of health benefits.It is possible that magnesium and physterols can decrease your chances of developing gallstones.
Step 12: If you have to lose weight, try to keep it off.
Being at a healthy weight can help with gallstones, but dropping weight quickly can make you more susceptible to having them.If you need to lose weight, go at a slow, steady pace.If you need to lose weight, talk to your doctor.You should only lose 10% of your body weight over the course of 6 months.Losing weight gradually is more effective than quick weight loss.If you lose weight at a rate of 1–2 pounds per week, you're more likely to keep it off.You will need to make lifestyle changes in order to lose weight and keep it off.
Step 13: Limit your alcohol intake.
If you stay within the recommended limits, some alcohol is okay.If you have a liver condition that contributes to your gallbladder disease, try not to overindulge.Women can drink up to 1 drink a day, while men can consume 2 drinks.
Step 14: You can reduce your chances of getting gallstones if you stop smoking.
Smoking carries a lot of risks and you probably know that.It can cause problems with your gallbladder.Don't smoke to lower your risks.Discuss quitting with your doctor.Nicotine patches or gum can help you quit.Discuss quitting with your friends and family.
Step 15: Exercise.
Increasing your production of bile may reduce your risk of developing further gallstones.You don't have to do it all at once.Try 10-minute intervals throughout the day.You don't have to go to the gym to exercise.You can take a walk at lunch, take the stairs instead of the elevator, and parking further out at the store.Housework and gardening can be counted as exercise.Try different exercises to see what works for you.Try swimming or basketball if running isn't your thing.If you don't like biking, you can try yoga.If you're overweight, you might want to increase your time to 45 minutes a day.
Step 16: Try to eat foods that are good for your body.
Some practitioners believe that there is a cure for gallstone symptoms.Try incorporating foods such as kefir, sauerkraut, or raw cheese into your diet.If you are pregnant, have a weakened immune system, or are concerned about your health, talk to your doctor.
Step 17: Ask your doctor about taking supplements.
There are a variety of herbs and supplements that can be used to treat and prevent gallbladder symptoms.Talk to your doctor if you'd like to try natural treatments such as milk thistle, dandelion root, turmeric, Rosemary essential oil, and bile salts.Don't try any herb or supplement without talking to your doctor.Let them know if you are pregnant or nursing, have other health conditions, or are taking any other supplements or medications.It is not always clear if herbal supplements are helpful in the treatment of gallbladder diseases.There isn't much evidence to support the use of milk thistle to treat bile duct problems.
Step 18: Natural oils are better than artificially formulated skin care products.
The natural balance of your hormones may be disrupted by some common chemicals in skincare products.There are a variety of health problems that can be caused by hormones.Try replacing these products with more natural alternatives, such as coconut oil, butter, and essential oils.