Dr. Deborah Negusse of Premier Gastroenterology Institute is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist with expertise in inflammatory bowel diseases, pancreatic diseases, hepatobiliary disease, digestive diseases, and colon cancer screening. When you have Gallstones in Rancho Cucamonga, San Bernardino & Riverside, CA, she provides the diagnosis and treatment that you need to get back to your normal life.

Many people have gallstones and have no symptoms at all. The size and location of the gallstones is the determining factor. If they are small and do not interfere with bile duct function, then there won't be any symptoms. They are known as silent gallstones, and they don't interfere with the liver, pancreas or gallbladder workings. When they get larger and interfere with the function of the bile ducts, then the symptoms flare up. Attacks usually come after a meal heavy in fat and often at night. Some people have multiple attacks and, for some, one very severe attack is all it takes to require attention from a gastroenterologist.

When you have gallstones in Rancho Cucamonga, San Bernardino & Riverside, CA you may suffer from some of these symptoms:

• Severe pain in the upper abdomen that lasts from half an hour to several hours
• Pain between the shoulder bands or in the right shoulder
• Nausea, vomiting, fever or chills
• Jaundice
• Bloating in the abdomen
• Not being able to tolerate fatty foods 
• Burping, gas, or indigestion

Everyone who has gallstones has their symptoms or combination of symptoms, but some are more serious than others and some require that you contact your doctor immediately. 

• Yellowing of the skin or eyes
• Clay-colored stools
• Chills
• Low-grade fever
• Sweating

All of these symptoms can be indicative of a variety of other conditions, and you need to see a gastroenterologist to get the correct diagnosis. If your symptoms are extreme, you should go to an emergency room to get seen as it may not be possible to get in to see a gastroenterologist on a moment's notice.  

Diagnosis

Some tests may be required to determine the cause of your symptoms. An ultrasound, CT scan, and blood tests are common diagnostic tools that are used to check for gallstones. 

Treatment

The age and overall health of the gallstone sufferer will have some effect on the decision when it comes to treatment. In many cases, the gallbladder is surgically removed and these days it is laparoscopic surgery which has a much quicker recovery time and smaller scars. Your gastroenterologist will discuss other options with you. 

Contact Dr. Negusse of Premier Gastroenterology Institute when you have questions or concerns about gallstones in Rancho Cucamonga, San Bernardino & Riverside, CA. For an appointment give us a call at (909) 360-1111.