Gallstones in Pasadena, CA
Gallstones are hardened deposits that form in the gallbladder, a small organ located beneath the liver. The gallbladder stores bile, a digestive fluid that helps break down fats. When bile contains too much cholesterol or bilirubin or does not contain enough bile salts, gallstones can develop. While some people may have no symptoms, gallstones can cause pain, nausea, indigestion, and complications such as gallbladder inflammation or infection if left untreated.
At Shine Health and Wellness in Pasadena, CA, Dr. Kimberley Shine, a family medicine physician, focuses on managing symptoms and addressing the root causes of gallstone formation, such as diet, hormone imbalances, and gut health. Patients receive personalized treatment plans designed to relieve discomfort, improve digestion, and protect long-term wellness.
Causes and Risk Factors
Several factors may increase the likelihood of developing gallstones, including:
- Excess Cholesterol in Bile: The most common cause of stone formation.
- Obesity and Rapid Weight Loss: Both can affect bile composition.
- Hormonal Changes: Pregnancy, menopause, or hormone replacement therapy can influence bile balance.
- Diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome: Conditions that impact how the body processes fats and sugars.
- Digestive Issues: Poor gut health and nutrient imbalances may contribute.
- Genetics: A family history of gallstones increases risk.
By identifying these contributing factors, Shine Health and Wellness develops individualized strategies for prevention and management.
Symptoms of Gallstones
Gallstones can range from silent to severely symptomatic. Common symptoms include:
- Sudden, intense abdominal pain (often in the upper right or middle abdomen)
- Pain that radiates to the back or right shoulder
- Nausea or vomiting
- Indigestion, bloating, or gas after meals
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes) in severe cases
- Fever or chills when infection is present
If gallstones block bile ducts, complications such as cholecystitis (gallbladder inflammation) or pancreatitis may occur, requiring urgent medical attention.
How Gallstones Are Diagnosed
At Shine Health and Wellness, evaluation for gallstones may include:
- Medical History and Exam: Reviewing symptoms, diet, and lifestyle factors.
- Ultrasound: The most common imaging test to detect gallstones.
- Blood Tests: Checking for signs of infection, liver function issues, or bile duct obstruction.
- Additional Imaging: CT scans or MRIs when needed for further evaluation.
- Functional Medicine Assessments: Exploring digestive health, nutrient absorption, and gut microbiome balance.
This thorough diagnostic process ensures patients receive accurate results and appropriate care.
Treatment Options for Gallstones
Treatment depends on the size of gallstones, severity of symptoms, and overall health. At Shine Health and Wellness, options may include:
- Lifestyle and Nutritional Counseling: Dietary changes to reduce fat intake and improve bile flow.
- Weight Management Support: Safe, gradual weight loss strategies to lower risk.
- Medication Management: Prescribing medicines when necessary to dissolve small stones.
- Functional Medicine Approaches: Addressing hormone imbalances, gut health, and systemic inflammation that contribute to gallstone formation.
- Collaborative Care: Referral for surgical intervention, such as gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy), in severe cases.
- Ongoing Monitoring: Regular follow-ups to prevent recurrence and support digestive health.
By combining traditional medical care with integrative strategies, Shine Health and Wellness helps patients achieve lasting relief and improved well-being.
The Role of Gut Health in Gallstones
Digestive health plays a significant role in gallstone formation. Poor gut microbiome balance and reduced bile flow can contribute to stone development.
At Shine Health and Wellness, treatment includes strategies to restore gut health through probiotics, dietary changes, and functional medicine testing. Supporting digestion helps reduce future risk and promotes overall wellness.
Why Choose Shine Health and Wellness?
Kimberley Shine, MD, specializes in integrative and functional medicine. She believes in building strong doctor-patient relationships and works closely with patients to create care plans that reflect their unique needs. By addressing both immediate gallstone concerns and the underlying digestive factors, Dr. Shine helps patients achieve long-term health improvements.
The Shine Health and Wellness team also includes experienced nurses, a lifestyle coach, and a licensed acupuncturist. Together, they provide a collaborative, compassionate environment that supports patients in every step of their care.
Support for Your Digestive Health
Gallstones can cause discomfort and serious complications if untreated, but with the right care, you can protect your digestive health and overall wellness. At Shine Health and Wellness in Pasadena, CA, Dr. Kimberley Shine and her team are committed to addressing both symptoms and root causes. Call 626-317-0207 today to schedule a consultation.