Difference between Kidney Stone and Gall Bladder Stone
Both kidney stones and gall bladder stones are incredibly painful medical conditions that can bring even the strongest man or woman to their knees. Ironically, some people have absolutely no problems with these two afflictions, while others suffer from them regularly. Here is a closer look at both of these painful conditions, as well as how they differ:
Symptoms
Kidney stones are most commonly discovered through pain in the lower abdomen, groin, or back. These acid and mineral deposits that have hardened in your kidneys can feel as though they are ripping you apart, and hurt like the devil. Some people do have kidney stones, and pass them without even noticing them. The size of the kidney stone can be one factor that determines pain. Other common symptoms with kidney stones include colored urine (red, brown), pain upon urination, fever and chills and nausea.
Gall bladder stones are equally painful for some, while others feel no pain at all. The symptoms of gall bladder stones are a sudden pain that is rapidly getting worse below your breastbone in your abdomen. This pain can also be located in your upper right abdomen area, below your liver. Some people have pain in their right shoulder as well.
Causes
Kidney stones are caused by a number of different potential factors, and are often hard to pinpoint. When the urine levels are unbalanced, the crystals form and develop into kidney stones. These levels can be affected by diet, genes and many other factors. Gall bladder stones are caused by billirubin levels or cholesterol levels being too high, but doctors are still uncertain as to the cause for certain. Every person is different, and these may not be the only causes.
Treatment
Kidney Stones are often treated through surgery, and the surgeries are quite successful on the whole. If the kidney stones are not all that big, then many doctors simply use pain relievers and plenty of water. The stones will often simply pass on their own. Gall bladder stones rarely need surgery, but when they do they often mean having the gall bladder itself removed. It is not needed for life support at all, and the body can function without it. Most gall bladder stones never get bad enough to cause symptoms, therefore do not end up needing treatment.
Both kidney stones and gall bladder stones are very painful when they strike, but neither are particularly dangerous as a rule. With the right doctor and treatment, you will be back on your feet in no time. The key is to recognize them early and get treatment. Often folks have no idea they are at risk, so a good checkup from your doctor is needed on a regular basis.
Similarities and Differences
Kidney Stones
- Crystals form to cause great pain
- Originate in the kidneys
- Can cause nausea and frequent urge to urinate
- Treated with surgery and sometimes flushing with water
Gall Bladder Stones
- Cholesterol or bilirubin hardens and causes great pain
- Originate in the gall bladder
- Can cause shoulder pain in addition to side and abdominal pain
- Treated with gall bladder surgery or not at all if not symptomatic
