Gallstones

Gallstones

Gallstones are pieces of solid material that form in your gallbladder, a small organ under your liver. If you have them, you might hear your doctor say you have cholelithiasis.

Description

Your gallbladder stores and releases bile, a fluid made in your liver, to help in digestion. Bile also carries wastes like cholesterol and bilirubin, which your body makes when it breaks down red blood cells. These things can form gallstones.

• Usual onset: 50 years old (groin hernias)

• Diarrhea or constipation

• Persistent coughing or sneezing

Causes

Doctors aren’t sure exactly what causes gallstones, but they might happen when:.

• Have a family history of them

• Are a woman

• Are over age 40

• Are of Native American or Mexican descent