How does Ursodiol work to dissolve gallstones. What are the primary uses of Ursodiol. How should patients take Ursodiol for optimal effectiveness. What are the potential side effects and precautions associated with Ursodiol.

Understanding Ursodiol: A Powerful Medication for Gallstones and Liver Health

Ursodiol, pronounced as (er’ soe dye ol), is a medication that plays a crucial role in treating various gallbladder and liver conditions. This drug belongs to a class of medications known as gallstone dissolution agents, and its primary function is to decrease cholesterol production and dissolve cholesterol in bile, effectively preventing stone formation and reducing toxic bile acid levels in certain liver diseases.

The Primary Uses of Ursodiol: From Gallstones to Primary Biliary Cholangitis

Ursodiol serves multiple purposes in the medical field. Its applications include:

• Dissolving gallstones in patients who cannot undergo or prefer to avoid surgery
• Preventing gallstone formation in overweight individuals experiencing rapid weight loss
• Treating primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), formerly known as primary biliary cirrhosis

PBC is an autoimmune liver disease that Ursodiol helps manage by reducing the accumulation of toxic bile acids.

Proper Administration: How to Take Ursodiol Effectively

Ursodiol is available in two forms: capsules and tablets. The dosage and frequency of administration depend on the condition being treated:

• For gallstones: Usually taken two or three times a day, with or without food
• For gallstone prevention during rapid weight loss: Typically taken twice daily
• For primary biliary cholangitis: Generally taken two or four times a day with food

It’s crucial to follow the prescription label carefully and consult with a healthcare provider if any part of the instructions is unclear.

Breaking Tablets for Precise Dosing

In some cases, patients may need to break tablets to achieve their specific dose. Here’s how to do it properly:

1. Place the tablet on a flat surface with the scored section facing up
2. Position your thumbs close to the scored part
3. Apply gentle pressure to snap the tablet into two halves
4. Swallow the half tablet with water, avoiding chewing
5. Store the unused half in a separate container and use within 28 days

Treatment Duration and Expectations: A Long-Term Commitment

Patients should be aware that Ursodiol requires long-term use to be effective. For gallstone dissolution, treatment may last up to two years. Even after successful treatment, there’s a possibility of gallstones recurring within five years.

Is Ursodiol a guaranteed cure for gallstones? While Ursodiol is effective in many cases, it’s important to note that not all gallstones will completely dissolve, and there’s a chance of recurrence even after successful treatment. Continuous medication and regular check-ups are essential for optimal results.

Precautions and Interactions: What Patients Should Know Before Taking Ursodiol

Before starting Ursodiol, patients should inform their healthcare providers about:

• Any allergies to Ursodiol, bile acids, or other medications
• All current medications, including prescription, over-the-counter, vitamins, and herbal supplements
• Any history of bile duct blockage, gastrointestinal surgery, variceal bleeding, Crohn’s disease, or liver disease
• Pregnancy status or plans to become pregnant, as well as breastfeeding intentions

Are there any medications that interact with Ursodiol? Yes, certain medications can interact with Ursodiol. Notably, antacids containing aluminum may interact with this medication. It’s crucial to discuss all current medications with a healthcare provider before starting Ursodiol treatment.

Potential Side Effects: Recognizing and Managing Adverse Reactions

While Ursodiol is generally well-tolerated, it can cause side effects in some patients. Common side effects may include:

• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Stomach pain
• Dizziness
• Back pain
• Cough

Can Ursodiol cause serious side effects? While rare, some patients may experience more severe side effects. These can include severe allergic reactions, liver problems, or worsening of certain existing conditions. Patients should seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, dark urine, or yellowing of the skin or eyes.

Missed Doses and Proper Storage: Ensuring Optimal Treatment Efficacy

If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as remembered. However, if it’s almost time for the next scheduled dose, the missed dose should be skipped to avoid doubling up. Proper storage of Ursodiol is essential for maintaining its effectiveness:

• Store at room temperature, away from excessive heat and moisture
• Keep out of reach of children
• Dispose of unused medication properly, following local guidelines or pharmacy recommendations

How long can Ursodiol be stored? When stored properly, Ursodiol typically remains effective until the expiration date on the package. However, it’s important to check with a pharmacist about specific storage duration for opened bottles or split tablets.

Beyond Gallstones: Other Potential Uses of Ursodiol

While Ursodiol is primarily known for its role in treating gallstones and primary biliary cholangitis, research suggests it may have potential benefits in other areas of medicine:

• Preventing gallstones in patients undergoing rapid weight loss after bariatric surgery
• Potentially reducing the risk of colorectal cancer in patients with ulcerative colitis and primary sclerosing cholangitis
• Exploring its use in managing certain types of liver disease in children

Could Ursodiol have applications beyond liver and gallbladder conditions? Ongoing research is investigating the potential of Ursodiol in various other medical fields. Some studies are exploring its possible benefits in neurological disorders and certain types of cancer. However, these applications are still in the experimental stage and require further research before any definitive conclusions can be drawn.

The Mechanism of Action: How Ursodiol Works in the Body

Understanding how Ursodiol functions within the body can provide valuable insights into its effectiveness:

1. Decreases cholesterol production in the liver
2. Increases bile flow, helping to flush out excess cholesterol
3. Dissolves existing cholesterol gallstones over time
4. Reduces the toxicity of bile acids in conditions like primary biliary cholangitis

This multi-faceted approach allows Ursodiol to address various aspects of gallstone formation and liver health simultaneously.

Ursodiol in Special Populations: Considerations for Specific Patient Groups

While Ursodiol is generally safe for most adults, special considerations may apply to certain patient groups:

Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women

Limited data is available on the use of Ursodiol during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Women who are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding should consult their healthcare provider before using this medication.

Elderly Patients

Older adults may be more sensitive to the effects of Ursodiol. Dosage adjustments may be necessary, and closer monitoring for side effects is often recommended.

Pediatric Use

While Ursodiol is sometimes used in children for certain liver conditions, its safety and efficacy in pediatric patients have not been fully established for all indications. Pediatric use should be carefully monitored by a specialist.

Are there any age restrictions for using Ursodiol? While there are no strict age restrictions, the use of Ursodiol in very young children or very elderly patients may require special consideration and close monitoring by healthcare professionals.

Lifestyle Modifications: Complementing Ursodiol Treatment

While Ursodiol can be highly effective, combining medication with lifestyle changes can enhance treatment outcomes:

• Maintaining a healthy weight or losing weight gradually if overweight
• Adopting a balanced, low-fat diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
• Staying well-hydrated to promote optimal bile flow
• Engaging in regular physical activity, as approved by a healthcare provider
• Avoiding rapid weight loss, which can increase the risk of gallstone formation

Can lifestyle changes alone prevent or treat gallstones? While lifestyle modifications can significantly reduce the risk of gallstone formation and may help manage symptoms, they are often most effective when combined with medical treatments like Ursodiol for patients with existing gallstones or high-risk conditions.

The Importance of Regular Check-ups

Patients taking Ursodiol should maintain regular follow-up appointments with their healthcare provider. These check-ups may include:

1. Blood tests to monitor liver function and bile acid levels
2. Imaging studies to assess gallstone dissolution progress
3. Evaluation of medication effectiveness and potential side effects
4. Adjustments to treatment plan as needed

Regular monitoring ensures that the treatment remains effective and allows for timely adjustments if necessary.

Alternatives to Ursodiol: Exploring Other Treatment Options

While Ursodiol is a primary treatment for many gallbladder and liver conditions, alternative approaches may be considered in certain cases:

Surgical Options

• Cholecystectomy: Surgical removal of the gallbladder, often recommended for symptomatic gallstones
• Lithotripsy: Using shock waves to break up gallstones, sometimes combined with Ursodiol treatment

Other Medications

• Chenodiol: Another bile acid that can be used to dissolve gallstones, though it’s less commonly prescribed due to potential side effects
• Obeticholic acid: A newer medication sometimes used in combination with Ursodiol for primary biliary cholangitis

Complementary and Alternative Therapies

Some patients explore complementary approaches, such as herbal remedies or acupuncture, although the efficacy of these methods is not well-established and should be discussed with a healthcare provider.

Are there natural alternatives to Ursodiol for treating gallstones? While some natural remedies are claimed to help with gallstones, such as apple cider vinegar or certain herbal preparations, their effectiveness is not scientifically proven. It’s crucial to consult with a healthcare provider before trying any alternative treatments, as they may interact with medications or have unforeseen effects on liver and gallbladder health.

The Future of Gallstone and Liver Disease Treatment: Ongoing Research and Developments

The field of hepatology and gastroenterology continues to evolve, with ongoing research into new treatments and applications for existing medications like Ursodiol:

• Investigating combination therapies to enhance the effectiveness of Ursodiol
• Exploring novel drug delivery methods to improve absorption and reduce side effects
• Studying the potential preventive effects of Ursodiol in high-risk populations
• Researching genetic factors that influence gallstone formation and response to treatment

These ongoing studies may lead to more personalized and effective treatment strategies in the future, potentially improving outcomes for patients with gallbladder and liver conditions.

The Role of Ursodiol in Precision Medicine

As our understanding of individual genetic variations and their impact on drug response grows, the use of Ursodiol may become more tailored to each patient’s unique profile. This approach, known as precision medicine, could lead to:

1. More accurate dosing based on genetic factors
2. Better prediction of treatment response and potential side effects
3. Improved selection of patients most likely to benefit from Ursodiol therapy
4. Development of companion diagnostics to guide treatment decisions

How might precision medicine change the way Ursodiol is prescribed in the future? As research progresses, healthcare providers may be able to use genetic testing and other biomarkers to determine which patients are most likely to respond well to Ursodiol. This could lead to more targeted use of the medication, potentially improving success rates and reducing unnecessary treatments.

Patient Education and Support: Empowering Individuals on Ursodiol Therapy

Successful treatment with Ursodiol often relies on patient understanding and adherence to the prescribed regimen. Healthcare providers and pharmacists play a crucial role in educating patients about:

• The importance of consistent medication use
• Potential side effects and when to seek medical attention
• The need for long-term treatment and regular follow-ups
• Lifestyle modifications that can complement medical therapy
• The availability of support groups and resources for patients with chronic liver conditions

Empowering patients with knowledge about their condition and treatment can lead to better outcomes and improved quality of life.

The Role of Technology in Patient Care

Advancements in technology are creating new opportunities to support patients taking Ursodiol:

1. Medication reminder apps to improve adherence
2. Telemedicine platforms for remote consultations and follow-ups
3. Patient portals for accessing test results and communicating with healthcare providers
4. Wearable devices to monitor relevant health metrics

These technological tools can enhance the management of chronic conditions and improve the overall patient experience.

Can digital health technologies improve outcomes for patients taking Ursodiol? While research is ongoing, early studies suggest that digital health tools can indeed improve medication adherence and patient engagement. For instance, medication reminder apps have been shown to significantly increase the likelihood of patients taking their medications as prescribed, which is crucial for the long-term effectiveness of treatments like Ursodiol.

Ursodiol: MedlinePlus Drug Information

pronounced as (er’ soe dye ol)

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Ursodiol is used to dissolve gallstones in people who do not want surgery or cannot have surgery to remove gallstones. Ursodiol is also used to prevent the formation of gallstones in overweight people who are losing weight very quickly. Ursodiol is used to treat people with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC; formerly known as a primary biliary cirrhosis; an autoimmune liver disease). Ursodiol is in a class of medications called gallstone dissolution agents. It works by decreasing the production of cholesterol and by dissolving the cholesterol in bile to prevent stone formation and by decreasing toxic levels of bile acids that accumulate in primary biliary cirrhosis.

Ursodiol comes as a capsule and as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken two or three times a day with or without food to treat gallstones and two times a day to prevent gallstones in people who are losing weight quickly. If you are taking the tablets to treat primary biliary cholangitis, they are usually taken 2 or 4 times a day with food. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take ursodiol exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

If you need to break the tablet for your specific dose, place the tablet on a flat surface with the scored section on the top. Hold the tablet with your thumbs close to the scored part and apply gentle pressure to snap the tablet into two parts. Swallow the half tablet with water; do not chew the half tablet. Because the tablet has a strong bitter taste, store the other tablet half in a separate container from the whole tablets. Use the stored half tablet within 28 days. If you have any questions, your doctor or pharmacist will tell you how to break the tablets and how you should take and store them.

This medication must be taken for months to have an effect. If you are taking ursodiol capsules to dissolve gall stones, you may need to take ursodiol for up to 2 years. Your gallstones may not completely dissolve, and even if your gallstones do dissolve you may have gallstones again within 5 years after successful treatment with ursodiol. Continue to take ursodiol even if you feel well. Do not stop taking ursodiol without talking to your doctor.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Before taking ursodiol,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to ursodiol, bile acids, or any other medications, or any of the ingredients in ursodiol tablets and capsules. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
• The following nonprescription or herbal products may interact with ursodiol: antacids that contain aluminum. Be sure to let your doctor and pharmacist know that you are taking these medications before you start taking ursodiol. Do not start any of these medications while taking ursodiol without discussing it with your healthcare provider.
• tell your doctor if you have bile duct blockage. Your doctor will probably tell you not to take ursodiol. Your doctor also will probably tell you not to take ursodiol if you have a type of gallstone that will not dissolve or if surgery is a better choice for your condition.
• tell your doctor if you have had gastrointestinal surgery. Also, tell your doctor if you have or have ever had variceal bleeding (bleeding in the esophagus or stomach), Crohn’s disease (a condition in which the body attacks the lining of the digestive tract, causing pain, diarrhea, weight loss, and fever), or liver disease.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while taking ursodiol, call your doctor.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Ursodiol may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• dizziness
• headache
• cough, fever, sore throat, runny nose, or other signs of infection
• frequent urination or pain when you urinate
• muscle pain
• hair loss

Some side effects can be serious.

If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:

• indigestion
• stomach pain
• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• constipation
• hives; rash; itching; swelling of the face, eyes, mouth, throat, tongue, lips, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs; or difficulty breathing or swallowing

Ursodiol may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).

It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org

Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA’s Safe Disposal of Medicines website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.

In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can’t be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.

Symptoms of overdose may include the following:

• diarrhea

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Gallbladder Sludge: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Biliary sludge can cause abdominal pain after eating along with other symptoms. Treatment can depend on the severity and may include treating the underlying cause, medications, or gallbladder removal.

The gallbladder is located between the intestines and the liver. It stores bile from the liver until it’s time to release it into the intestines to aid in digestion.

If the gallbladder doesn’t empty completely, particles in the bile, like cholesterol or calcium salts, can thicken from staying in the gallbladder for too long. They eventually become biliary sludge, which is commonly referred to as gallbladder sludge.

Some people who have gallbladder sludge will show no symptoms and never know they have it. Others will experience symptoms similar to an inflamed gallbladder or gallbladder stones.

The primary symptom is often abdominal pain, especially on your upper right side under the ribs. This pain may increase shortly after a meal.

Other symptoms can include:

• chest pain
• right shoulder pain
• nausea and vomiting
• clay-like stools

Gallbladder sludge forms when bile remains in the gallbladder for too long. Mucus from the gallbladder can mix with cholesterol and calcium salts, combining to create the sludge.

Gallbladder sludge seems to be more common during pregnancy, especially if you’re following a strict diet.

While gallbladder sludge is not a common problem, there are certain people who have a higher risk of developing it. Groups who are at a higher risk include:

• women, who tend to have higher rates of gallbladder problems than men
• people with Native American ancestry
• people who get nutrition through an IV or other alternatives to food
• people who are critically ill
• people with diabetes
• people who were very overweight then lost weight quickly
• people who have had an organ transplant

If you’re experiencing abdominal pain, your doctor will ask about your medical history and symptoms. They’ll then perform a physical exam where they’ll press different places on your abdomen.

If they suspect that your gallbladder may be the source of the pain, they’ll likely order an abdominal ultrasound, which can very accurately detect gallstones.

If your doctor diagnoses you with gallstones or gallbladder sludge after the ultrasound, they may run tests to determine the cause of the sludge.

These tests will likely include a blood test, which can examine your cholesterol and sodium levels. Your doctor may also run blood tests to make sure your liver is functioning properly.

Doctors will sometimes find your gallbladder sludge by accident while looking at the results of a CT scan or ultrasound that was ordered for something else.

Sometimes, gallbladder sludge will resolve without causing any symptoms or needing treatment. In other situations, it can lead to gallstones. Gallstones can cause upper abdominal pain and may require surgery.

In some cases, these gallstones can cause an obstruction in the bile duct. This is a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment.

Gallbladder sludge can cause or contribute to cholecystitis, which is an inflamed gallbladder. If your gallbladder causes frequent or chronic pain, your doctor will likely recommend removing it entirely.

In very severe cases, inflammation can cause erosion in the wall of the gallbladder, leading to a perforation that leaks the contents of the gallbladder into the abdominal cavity. This is most common in older adults.

Gallbladder sludge may also cause acute pancreatitis, which is inflammation of the pancreas. This can cause enzymes to be active in the pancreas instead of the intestines, leading to inflammation.

The inflammation can cause a systemic response, leading to shock or even death. This can occur if the gallbladder sludge or gallstones block the pancreatic duct.

Many people with gallbladder sludge will never even know they had it, especially in cases where the cause is only temporary.

If the gallbladder sludge leads to further complications or causes chronic pain, your doctor may recommend removing the gallbladder altogether. Gallbladder sludge typically isn’t a problem unless it’s experienced over a long period of time or causes symptoms.

To prevent gallbladder sludge, try to eat a healthy, well-balanced diet with high fiber foods like whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and beans, as well as healthy fats like fish oil or olive oil. Try to avoid or cut down on refined carbs, sugar, fried foods, and trans fats.

Gallbladder Stones: Main Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Options – July 13, 2021

1

Where do stones come from?

To understand this, you must first understand what bile is. It is necessary for the digestion of food, it is formed in the liver, and only accumulates in the gallbladder, so that later it pushes bile into the duodenum. The main components are acids, cholesterol, pigments, lecithin, calcium and mucin-glycoprotein gel. When bile stagnates, crystals fall to the bottom of the bladder and stones form. They come in different sizes, from a few millimeters to a chicken egg, single and multiple.

– The main causes of stone formation include hereditary disorders of cholesterol metabolism, overeating, eating foods rich in cholesterol, fasting or irregular meals, overweight, multiple pregnancies, long-term use of contraceptives and, in general, female gender, chronic pancreatitis, cholecystitis, – says Natalya Ignatova, gastroenterologist of the gastroenterological department of the New Hospital.

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2

How is cholelithiasis manifested?

In most patients, the presence of stones does not cause any symptoms – they are found incidentally during an examination for another reason. However, they can also cause significant inconvenience.

— Pain in the abdomen, more often in the area of ​​the right hypochondrium, may disturb, — says Ignatova. – Pain can be given to the back or to the right shoulder blade, right shoulder, interscapular region. They will be associated with food, they can be bursting, pressing, short-term. In an acute condition – biliary colic – the pain can be very intense, cutting, intolerable. Also, cholelithiasis can be manifested by nausea, vomiting, stool disorders – loosening, discoloration, alternating constipation and loose stools.

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3

How is gallstone disease treated?

The first thing to know is that you cannot try to dissolve stones on your own. The fact is that the stones differ from each other in composition, and it is possible to truly determine only on the operating table after extraction. One can only assume their chemical composition by concomitant diseases and frequency of occurrence.

There are several options for treating stones. Medicamentous – dissolution of stones with preparations of bile acids – ursodeoxycholic. The effect of such treatment is up to 60%, – says Ekaterina Skvortsova, general practitioner, therapist at the Medsi clinic. — Shock wave cholelithotherapy — has a limited range of applications. And finally, laparoscopic cholecystectomy is an operation.

— Patients are prescribed ursodeoxycholic acid preparations (Ursosan, Ursofalk, Exhol, Urdox, etc.). Taking therapy in courses, it is possible to restore the normal flow of bile, get rid of congestion, which means there will be no reason for the formation of stones in the future, says Natalia Ignatova. – In the presence of rare episodes of pain syndrome, the situational use of antispasmodics (Drotaverine, Ditsetel, Buscopan, etc.) is acceptable to relieve symptoms.

And the best treatment is, of course, prevention.

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How to prevent gallstone disease?

Basic prevention is the general principles of rational nutrition. Also important is the normalization of body weight, the mode of work and rest.

“It is necessary to exclude long breaks between meals and overeating, drink enough water per day (at least 2 liters per day), limit the consumption of fatty, smoked foods, fast food, carbonated lemonades, alcohol,” says Skvortsova. – Eat foods should be rich in vegetable fiber, calcium, vitamins, vegetable oils, protein – lean meats, fish. You need a fractional 4 meals a day in moderate portions. It is also necessary to timely identify and treat other diseases of organs and systems.

She notes that phytotherapy for the prevention of gallstone disease is really effective, but the selection of the necessary components, frequency, duration of courses should be determined by the doctor. Independent attempts to “cleanse the liver” often lead to exacerbation, gastritis, inflammation of the intestine.

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What to do if the disease has already been found?

In addition to the basic treatment tactics, patients require special nutrition. The approach to nutrition for people suffering from gallstone disease is Pevzner’s diet number 5.

— Eat small meals 5-6 times a day, avoid very hot or cold foods. Limit foods rich in cholesterol, says Ekaterina Skvortsova. – The use of foods rich in vitamins A, B, C, magnesium – reduce the crystallization process. Weekly it is necessary to spend fasting days on cucumbers, kefir. Limit tea, coffee, dark chocolate.

In case of cholelithiasis, it is necessary to adhere to diet No. 5

Infographics: Vitaly Kalistratov / Network of city portals

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What else to read about medicine?

• Treating the pancreas: how to live with pancreatitis
• Liver diseases: diseases that people learn about too late
• Stomach pain: how not to harm yourself by trying to relieve symptoms

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Ekaterina Bormotova

Journalist of the national editorial office

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Stones grow from it: 8 reasons why sand forms in the gallbladder

• Health

According to doctors, over the next two years, in 14 percent of cases it turns into stones, and in 6 percent it causes attacks of biliary colic.

August 31, 2022

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Sand, suspension or sediment in the gallbladder is medically called “biliary sludge”. It is formed, as a rule, due to a supersaturation of bile with cholesterol crystals.

Even gallstones can develop for a long time without any symptoms, what to speak of sand or sediment – they can only be seen on an ultrasound of the abdominal organs.

There are several types of biliary sludge, and in some cases you can do nothing about it – it will pass by itself. However, not always.

– According to observations, over the next 2 years, sludge disappears in 18% of cases, disappears and reappears in 60%, gallstones form in 14%, attacks of biliary colic occur in 6% of cases ( the most common manifestation of gallstone disease – Ed. ), – gastroenterologist Maria Lopatina said in her telegram channel.

The doctor named 8 factors that increase the risk of gallstones and sediment.

1. female,

2. pregnancy, especially repeated,

3. postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy,

4. gallstones in close relatives,

5. overweight,

6. diabetes mellitus,

7. rapid decline weight (more than 1.5 kilograms per week),

8. cyclic changes in body weight (alternating weight loss and weight gain).

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How to protect yourself from gallstone sand

According to a gastroenterologist, there are 3 main ways to prevent gallstone and sediment. They are quite simple and understandable. It is

• Move more . You reduce physical activity, the risk of formation of both sand and gallstones increases.

• Eat fewer high-calorie foods . For prevention, it is useful to reduce the total calorie content, as well as the inclusion in the diet of poly- and monounsaturated fats (for example, nuts), as well as dietary fiber (vegetables, fruits, cereals).

• Eat regularly . Eating regularly reduces congestion in the gallbladder – it empties more often.

If sand still appears

According to Maria Lopatina, ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) preparations are used to dissolve sand and sediment in the gallbladder – this group includes more than a hundred drugs with different names. Their task is to “dissolve” cholesterol crystals (the basis of biliary sludge) and make bile more fluid. However, it is important to take them strictly for their intended purpose – to observe the regimen, dosage and duration. Otherwise, the gastroenterologist warns, it will be difficult to achieve the expected “dissolution” effect.

– Drugs are prescribed according to the weight of the patient, the entire dose is taken at night or divided into two doses: in the evening and at night. This is important, because I met in the appointments the administration of UDCA preparations 3 times a day in order to dissolve the suspension. The duration of admission is 3 months, then the control of ultrasound of the gallbladder to assess the dissolution of the sludge, the doctor added.

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How to understand that you have bile stasis

Bile stasis (cholestasis), when the flow of bile from the liver to the duodenum is partially or completely disrupted, often goes unnoticed. Ultrasound of the abdominal organs is considered the most common and early diagnostic method. If you do not notice or do anything for a long time, symptoms may appear. The fact that not everything is in order with the outflow of bile can be indicated by these 7 signs:

1. heaviness and pain in the right hypochondrium,

2. skin itching,

3. bitterness in the mouth,

5. bloating;

7. yellowness of the sclera and skin.

Also, congestion can be seen in the blood test. As the medical director of the NACFF laboratory Olesya Generalova said, the very first and reliable marker of bile stasis is the presence of bile acids in the blood serum.