Most people are often confused between gallbladder stones and kidney stones; they think that both are the same. But both are different from each other. Their origin lies in the two different systems of the human body. Both gallbladder and kidney stones have distinct entities. It can exist in your body at any time without any harm. Both stones are painless; they require a treatment until they increase in the size of proportion. Both gallbladder stones and kidney stones can stop the fluids in your body and cause immense pain, and with this discomfort, it is difficult to do daily activities; there is a need for proper treatment or sometimes even surgery to remove them.
How they are different: Gallbladder stone vs. Kidney stone
What is a Gallbladder Stone?
Gallstones are basically found in the gallbladder. The function of the gallbladder is to store bile and also works in digestion. The gallstone is a hard, lump-like substance inside the gallbladder. Bile is produced by the human body and includes protein, cholesterol, salt, and water. Gallbladder stones are produced when the level of cholesterol and bilirubin increases, or it can also form when the gallbladder is not properly empty. Gallstones are small, like a grain, and it does not hurt anyone until the size grows bigger with time. Most people have no idea they have stones in their bodies until they start hurting them. Cholecystitis is another chronic condition caused by stones; this condition affects individuals and causes tremendous pain. If it is untreated, it could cause severe pain and discomfort and cause further complications.
What is a Kidney stone?
Deposits of minerals in your body can lead to kidney stones. The function of the kidney is to filter the blood and remove the waste through urine. This filtration leads to the separation of minerals and toxic waste. Then, these minerals combine and form like a substance of grain. With time, they get bigger and create further complications in the system. The main cause of kidney stones is the lower level of fluid in your body. The kidney performs well when your body has enough water and fluid. They do not allow the building of kidney stones. Similar to gallstones, you will gradually feel pain in your kidneys compared to other parts of the body.
Causes of Gallstones:
- When the level of cholesterol is high, it is separated from your bile and can lead to yellow cholesterol stones. The possible reason can be the high cholesterol level, which is almost impossible for your body to dissolve.
- A higher level of bilirubin is present in your body; it is a condition that can result in liver damage and blood disorders. Stones are primarily black and brown.
- When too much bile is built up, the gallbladder functioning is hindered. An excessive amount of bile can form stones in the body.
Causes of Kidney stones:
- Excessive weight is the main leading cause of kidney stones. Diet is also another main factor that could affect the body and build-up of minerals in the kidney that cause kidney stones.
- Water intake is very important. It helps remove waste toxins from the body. Lack of water may not be able to remove waste naturally, and it leads to a build-up of minerals and waste.
- The other cause may be an underlying medical condition, such as kidney damage.
Symptoms of Gallstones:
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Cloudy urine
- Dark urine
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain and indigestion
Symptoms of Kidney Stones:
- Pain in the lower abdomen
- the body feels pain in the form of waves
- Sharp pain in body and back
- Feel pain or burning sensation while urination
Risk factors of kidney stones and gallstones:
- A diet of high protein, salt or fat can increase the chances of kidney and gall bladder stones.
- Obesity is another risk factor. Being overweight can increase the risk of making organs function below optimal levels.
- Family history is the reason for developing stones.
- Not taking an adequate amount of water can lead to dehydration, and it causes an increase in minerals and waste, which consequently leads to kidney stones and gallstones.
- Other medical conditions or changes in lifestyle, such as consumption of alcohol or smoking, pregnancy, frequent weight loss, etc.
Treatment of Gallstones and Kidney stones:
- Gallstones: The presence of gallstone exists only when the size of the stone is increased, or it may be stuck in the body. Then, it needs treatment. Surgery is an effective treatment option, and changing lifestyle and exercising helps prevent gallstones.
- Kidney stone: Drinking 3.7 litres of water daily helps dissolve stone and naturally passes through urine. For some patients who feel pain in the process, painkillers are the effective option to use.
- Surgery is another treatment option suggested by the doctors if the stones are too large.
If you are also suffering from the problem of stone, get the best guidance and treatment options from the Khosla Stone Kidney and Surgical Centre. Our expert Urologist helps you to provide the best solution to relieve the excessive pain of stone, and with cutting-edge techniques, we offer painless surgical treatment of removing stone from your body.
