Gallstones are hardened deposits that form in your gallbladder. They’re often made of cholesterol, bilirubin, and bile salts.
Sometimes, gallstones can cause digestive issues, and one of those symptoms may be belching. While belching is commonly a sign of general digestive upset, gallstones can make it worse. It can be hard to know if your excessive belching is related to gallstones without the help of your doctor.
This article will walk you through gallstones, their symptoms, how they’re diagnosed and treated, and their potential link to belching.
What are gallstones?
Gallstones can form when bile hardens in your gallbladder (called cholelithiasis) or in your bile ducts (called choledocholithiasis).
Gallstones are most often made of cholesterol, but they can also be made of bilirubin or not enough bile salts. When cholesterol, bilirubin, and bile salts are out of balance, gallstones can form.
Less common pigment stones are often associated with liver conditions or hereditary disorders.
Anyone can develop gallstones, but some things increase your risk:
- Obesity
- Estrogen levels
- Ethnicity
- Gender
- Age
- Certain medications
- Diabetes
- Rapid weight loss
- Fasting
Women are twice as likely to develop gallstones as men, and Native Americans have the highest rates of gallstones of any group.
Symptoms of gallstones
Not everyone who has gallstones has symptoms. In fact, many people have “silent stones” that don’t cause any problems.
When gallstones do cause symptoms, it’s often because they’re blocking the gallbladder’s outlet or blocking the bile ducts. This can cause:
- Severe abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Belching and digestive issues
Gallstones can indirectly contribute to belching because they may disrupt your normal digestion. You may also develop a sensitivity to fatty foods or experience indigestion.
Serious complications
If gallstones go untreated, they can lead to pancreatitis, infections, and jaundice.
How are gallstones diagnosed?
It’s important to get checked out by a doctor. Symptoms of gallstones can resemble other conditions, so you’ll need a professional diagnosis.
Doctors often use ultrasound to look for gallstones. If they need more information, they may also order:
- Cholecystography, a special kind of X-ray
- Blood tests (to look for signs of infection or liver problems)
- CT scans (to get a detailed picture of your abdomen)
- ERCP, or endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, to visualize and treat stones in your bile ducts
Treatment Options for Gallstones
If your gallstones are causing you problems, there are several treatment options available. They range from surgical removal of your gallbladder to observation and watchful waiting.
Surgical Treatment: Cholecystectomy
Cholecystectomy is the surgical removal of the gallbladder. It’s a common and highly effective way to eliminate gallstones and their symptoms.
There are two main types of cholecystectomy:
- Laparoscopic cholecystectomy: This is the most common type. The surgeon makes several small incisions in your abdomen and inserts a camera and surgical instruments to remove the gallbladder.
- Open cholecystectomy: This involves a larger incision and may be necessary if there are complications or if the gallbladder is severely inflamed.
Recovery from laparoscopic surgery is typically faster, with most people able to return to their normal activities within a week or two. Recovery from open surgery can take longer. Potential complications can include infection, bleeding, and bile leakage.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
If surgery isn’t an option for you, or if you prefer to try other treatments first, there are non-surgical options available, including:
- Oral dissolution therapy: This involves taking oral medication, such as ursodeoxycholic acid, to dissolve the gallstones. This is only effective about half the time, and the stones are likely to return after you stop taking the medication.
- Lithotripsy (shockwave therapy): This uses shockwaves to break up the gallstones into smaller pieces that can then be passed through your bile duct.
- Methyl-tert-butyl ether and Contact dissolution therapy: This involves injecting a solvent directly into the gallbladder to dissolve the stones.
Non-surgical options are generally less preferred than surgery because they are less effective and the stones are more likely to return.
Managing Asymptomatic Gallstones
If you have gallstones but aren’t experiencing any symptoms, your doctor may recommend observation. This means that you won’t need treatment unless symptoms arise. If you do develop symptoms, then treatment may be necessary.
How to prevent gallstones
You can make some lifestyle changes to prevent gallstones from forming. Start by talking to your doctor about dietary changes. In general, experts recommend avoiding overweight and obesity, as well as very rapid weight loss diets.
Maintaining a healthy weight can also reduce your chances of developing gallstones.
Hormones also appear to play a role. Some research suggests a link between gallstone formation and birth control pills, as well as estrogen supplementation. Talk to your doctor about these risks, especially if you have other risk factors for gallstones.
Summary
Gallstones are common, and many people who have them don’t experience any symptoms.
Although gallstones don’t directly cause belching, they can contribute to it indirectly.
If you’re experiencing persistent or recurrent symptoms that make you think you might have gallstones, talk with your doctor to determine the cause.