More than half a million people go to emergency rooms for the kidney stones problem every year. According to the study, one in ten people will have kidney stones in their lifetime. Kidney stones are affecting about 12% of the world population. Whereas, more than one million people are diagnosed with gallstones every year. Gallstones are affecting about 10% to 15% of the adult population. They usually need to be treated with surgery.
Many people are confused between kidney stones and gallstones. It is important to know whether you are suffering from kidney stones or gallstones. They both have similarities and differences. It depends on their location, causes, symptoms, risk, prevention, and treatments. The functions of these organs are different.
First let’s define what the function of the two organs are. The gallbladder stores bile which is produced by the liver. Bile helps to digest fats in the body. Whereas, kidneys filter the blood and produce urine. Both gallbladder and kidney produce stones which cause severe pain.
Kidney stones are the solid substances that are made of uric acid, and calcium oxalate. Gallstones are the pebble-like cholesterol or pigment deposits that form inside the gallbladder. Here we will talk about how they are different from each other. So, let’s know more about it.
Different between Kidney Stones & Gallstones
- Location
- Types
- Compositions
- Symptoms
- Causes
- Foods Factors
- Risks
- Prevention
- Treatment
Location
Kidney stones form in the kidneys or urinary tract. They are lump-like structures.
Gallstones are formed in the gallbladder (digestive tract). They are pebble-like structures.
Types
Kidney stones
There are four types of kidney stones
- Uric acid stones
- Calcium stones
- Struvite stones
- Cystine stones
Gallstones
There are two types of gallstones
- Cholesterol stones
- Pigment stones
Compositions
Kidney stone contains acid salts and excess minerals that group together to form stone-like structures.
Gallstones consist of calcium carbonate, calcium bilirubin, and undissolved cholesterol.
Symptoms
Kidney stones
The symptoms of kidney stones include:
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Fever and chills
- Severe pain
- Blood in the urine
Gallbladder stones
The symptoms of gallbladder stone include:
- Pain in the right shoulder
- Pain between the shoulder blades
- Nausea and vomiting
- Pain in the upper right portion of the abdomen
Causes
Kidney stones
The causes of kidney stones include:
- Obesity
- Too much consumption of salt and sugar
- Weight loss surgery
- Drinking too little water
- Certain supplements and medications
Gallbladder stone
The causes of gallbladder stone include:
- Too much bilirubin
- Too much cholesterol
- The gallbladder doesn’t empty correctly
Foods Developing Stones
Kidney stones
The foods that develop kidney stones are:
- Beets
- Chocolate
- Spinach
- Nuts
- tea
Gallstones
The food that develops gallstones include:
- Fried foods
- Whole milk dairy products
- High-fat meat
- Sugary desserts
Risks
Kidney stones
The risk of kidney stones includes:
- Family or personal history
- Dehydration
- Certain diet
- Medical conditions
Gallstones
The risk of gallstones includes:
- High-fat diet
- Low-fiber diet
- Having a family history of gallstones
- Being pregnant
- Being overweight
Prevention
Kidney stones
The prevention of kidney stones includes:
- Stay hydrated
- Eat more calcium-rich food
- Consume less salt
- Avoid vitamin C supplements
Gallstones
The prevention of gallstones includes:
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Eat fiber-rich foods
- Exercise
- Take preventive medications
Treatment
Kidney stones
There are different methods to treat kidney stones like medication, ESWL, PCNL, and Ureteroscopy. Homeopathy and Ayurveda are also effective. In some complicated cases, medications don’t work. But in severe cases of multiple kidney stones, surgery is the best option.
Gallstones
The treatment of gallstones depends on the size and location of the stones. Gallstones generally dissolve through oral medication if the stones are small in size. If gallstones keep recurring or if the pain is intense then the surgeon will recommend you to remove the whole gallbladder. The process of gallbladder removal is treated through laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
Conclusion
Above we have discussed the difference between kidney stones and gallstones. There are many aspects to know about both. They are similar yet different. If you face any symptoms it is better to visit a doctor before it gets too late.
We at uphealth Cares provide expert consultation and the most advanced surgical treatments. We have both kidney stones and gallstones experienced surgeons. So, don’t worry about your condition and get hassle-free treatment.
