They’re usually just a few millimeters in size, but they can be oh-so-painful. Show
Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy We’re talking about stones — gallbladder stones (or gallstones) and kidney stones, that is. They form in different systems of the body, but they’re similar in many ways. For example, both gallstones and kidney stones are common and can exist inside your body without causing any problems. They won’t cause pain or require treatment unless they move or get big enough to block the regular flow of fluids in their respective bodily systems. Get to know the difference between gallbladder and kidney stones, with help from gastroenterologist Michael Kirsch, MD, and urologist Sri Sivalingam, MD. Your kidneys are the two bean-shaped organs, which are part of your urinary system that filters your blood. They remove waste from your body in the form of urine and they also help balance your body’s fluids and electrolytes. Your gallbladder, on the other hand, is part of your digestive system. It stores bile, which is used to break down fats in your digestive system. It’s located in the upper right part of your abdomen, sitting right underneath your liver. What’s the difference between gallbladder and kidney stones?Gallstones develop in the digestive tract and can be as a small as a grain of sand or as large as a golf ball. Gallstones cause a blockage in the gallbladder or the bile ducts. A diet high in fat or cholesterol can contribute to the development of gallstones. Kidney stones develop in the urinary tract and can be as small as a grain of sand but can grow up to several inches in diameter. Kidney stones move through the urinary tract into your ureter and block the flow of urine. A diet high in sodium, oxalates or animal protein can contribute to the development of kidney stones. An insufficient intake of fluids or calcium can also lead to the formation of kidney stones. Symptoms of gallstonesIf you have gallstones you may experience the following symptoms:
Where does it hurt?Gallstones cause pain in the mid-upper abdomen that may radiate to the back or under the right shoulder. Symptoms of kidney stonesIf you have kidney stones you may experience the following symptoms:
Where does it hurt?Kidney stones cause sharp pain in the lower back or side of the body that may radiate to the lower abdomen and groin. Treatment for gallstonesMost people who have gallstones may not need any treatment if they’re not having symptoms. But if you’re having problems with your gallstones, your doctor may recommend having your gallbladder removed. This is typically done laparoscopically and is considered a routine surgery. Treatment for kidney stonesIf you have kidney stones, the size of the stone typically dictates the treatment. If your stone is 10 millimeters or less, it may pass on its own. Medication can help decrease any pain, ease any nausea or vomiting and relax the ureter, which may help the stone pass. There are several minimally invasive surgical options available like:
Who’s at risk for gallstones?Gallstones are most common in middle-aged adults. There’s an increased risk for:
Prevention of gallstonesTo reduce your risk of getting gallstones you want to focus on how much cholesterol you consume. Here are a few ways you can do this:
Who’s at risk for kidney stones?Kidney stones are the most common in middle-aged adults. There’s an increased risk for:
Prevention of kidney stonesTo decrease your chances of getting kidney stones, follow these tips.
When to see a doctorIt can be hard to determine what may be causing you abdominal pain and if you should seek treatment. While the pain from a gallstone is typically in your upper right quadrant of your abdomen, it may feel like the pain is coming from your back or right shoulder. If you’re experiencing nausea and vomiting, it’s time to see your doctor. As for kidney stones, you may feel flank pain and think you have back issues. If you think you have a kidney stone you should see your doctor who can perform tests to figure out where the stone is located and how big it is. Bottom line? If you’re have abdominal pain, don’t hesitate to reach out to your doctor. Where is your bladder and gallbladder?The gall bladder is a small, pear-shaped organ in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen, tucked up under the liver. When everything is functioning normally, you'll hardly know it's there.
Are gallstones and bladder stones the same?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.
What is gall bladder also called?In vertebrates, the gallbladder, also known as the cholecyst, is a small hollow organ where bile is stored and concentrated before it is released into the small intestine.
What is gallbladder bladder?Your gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ on the right side of your abdomen, just beneath your liver. The gallbladder holds a digestive fluid called bile that's released into your small intestine.
|