Gall Health Dictionary

See LIVER.... gall-bladder

See under GALL-BLADDER, DISEASES OF.... gall-stones

A metallic element whose radioactive form is used in radionuclide scanning to detect areas of inflammation such as those that occur in cancers, abscesses, osteomyelitis, and sarcoidosis.... gallium

(Linn.) Beauv.

Synonym: Panicum crus-galli Linn.

Family: Gramineae; Poaceae.

Habitat: Cultivated mainly in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.

English: Barnyard Millet.

Ayurvedic: Ambah Shyaamaaka.

Siddha/Tamil: Oathupul.

Folk: Samak

Action: Whole plant—used for diseases of the spleen and for checking haemorrhage.

The grains are rich in carbohydrates (3.474 wt %) and trace elements (Cu, Cd, Cr, Ni, Fe, Mn, Sn). The total protein content is 4.2 wt% and the total lipids 4.46%. A hormone, oestrogen, is reported from the lipid.

A polysaccharide extracted from the endosperm and composed of glucose was identified as a phytoglycogen.... echinochloa crus-galli

The gall-bladder rests on the underside of the LIVER and joins the common hepatic duct via the cystic duct to form the common BILE DUCT. The gall-bladder acts as a reservoir and concentrator of BILE, alterations in the composition of which may result in the formation of gallstones, the most common disease of the gallbladder.

Gall-stones affect 22 per cent of women and 11 per cent of men. The incidence increases with age, but only about 30 per cent of those with gall-stones undergo treatment as the majority of cases are asymptomatic. There are three types of stone: cholesterol, pigment and mixed, depending upon their composition; stones are usually mixed and may contain calcium deposits. The cause of most cases is not clear but sometimes gall-stones will form around a ‘foreign body’ within the bile ducts or gall-bladder, such as suture material. BILIARY COLIC Muscle ?bres in the biliary system contract around a stone in the cystic duct or common bile duct in an attempt to expel it. This causes pain in the right upper quarter of the abdomen, with nausea and occasionally vomiting. JAUNDICE Gall-stones small enough to enter the common bile duct may block the ?ow of bile and cause jaundice. ACUTE CHOLECYSTITIS Blockage of the cystic duct may lead to this. The gall-bladder wall becomes in?amed, resulting in pain in the right upper quarter of the abdomen, fever, and an increase in the white-blood-cell count. There is characteristically tenderness over the tip of the right ninth rib on deep inhalation (Murphy’s sign). Infection of the gall-bladder may accompany the acute in?ammation and occasionally an EMPYEMA of the gall-bladder may result. CHRONIC CHOLECYSTITIS A more insidious form of gall-bladder in?ammation, producing non-speci?c symptoms of abdominal pain, nausea and ?atulence which may be worse after a fatty meal.

Diagnosis Stones are usually diagnosed on the basis of the patient’s reported symptoms, although asymptomatic gall-stones are often an incidental ?nding when investigating another complaint. Con?rmatory investigations include abdominal RADIOGRAPHY – although many gall-stones are not calci?ed and thus do not show up on these images; ULTRASOUND scanning; oral CHOLECYSTOGRAPHY – which entails a patient’s swallowing a substance opaque to X-rays which is concentrated in the gall-bladder; and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) – a technique in which an ENDOSCOPE is passed into the duodenum and a contrast medium injected into the biliary duct.

Treatment Biliary colic is treated with bed rest and injection of morphine-like analgesics. Once the pain has subsided, the patient may then be referred for further treatment as outlined below. Acute cholecystitis is treated by surgical removal of the gall-bladder. There are two techniques available for this procedure: ?rstly, conventional cholecystectomy, in which the abdomen is opened and the gall-bladder cut out; and, secondly, laparoscopic cholecystectomy, in which ?breoptic instruments called endoscopes (see FIBREOPTIC ENDOSCOPY) are introduced into the abdominal cavity via several small incisions (see MINIMALLY INVASIVE SURGERY (MIS)). Laparoscopic surgery has the advantage of reducing the patient’s recovery time. Gall-stones may be removed during ERCP; they can sometimes be dissolved using ultrasound waves (lithotripsy) or tablet therapy (dissolution chemotherapy). Pigment stones, calci?ed stones or stones larger than 15 mm in diameter are not suitable for this treatment, which is also less likely to succeed in the overweight patient. Drug treatment is prolonged but stones can disappear completely after two years. Stones may re-form on stopping therapy. The drugs used are derivatives of bile salts, particularly chenodeoxycholic acid; side-effects include diarrhoea and liver damage.... gall-bladder, diseases of

These are rare. POLYPS may form and, if symptomatic, should be removed. Malignant change is rare. CARCINOMA of the gall-bladder is a disease of the elderly and is almost exclusively associated with gall-stones. By the time such a cancer has produced symptoms, the prognosis is bleak: 80 per cent of these patients die within one year of diagnosis. If the tumour is discovered early, 60 per cent of patients will survive ?ve years.... other disorders of the gall-bladder

A rare cancer of unknown cause that occurs mainly in the elderly. The cancer may cause jaundice and tenderness in the abdomen, but it is sometimes symptomless. It is usually diagnosed by ultrasound scanning.

Treatment is by surgical removal of the tumour, but the cancer has often spread to the liver by the time it is detected, making the outlook poor.... gallbladder cancer

The principal gallbladder disorder is gallstones, which are common and often symptomless. Attempts by the gallbladder to expel the stones can cause biliary colic. If a gallstone becomes stuck in the gallbladder outlet, acute cholecystitis may develop. Occasionally, this leads to a painful condition called empyema of the gallbladder. If a gallbladder is empty when a stone obstructs its outlet, it may fill with mucus, resulting in a mucocele. Gallbladder cancer is rare.... gallbladder, disorders of

Liver failure and gallbladder problems lead at times, which means that you’ll have small solid accumulations on your liver that could cause you pain and irritation. In order to treat gallbladder affections, doctors generally recommend a wide range of treatments, from pills to surgery. However, these affections are among the most painful and therefore you must treat them right. It’s true that alternative medicine fans suggest that you should try an herbal remedy before facing the scalpel, but this kind of treatment may not be adequate for you. How a Tea for Gallbladder Works Some practitioners actually prescribe herbal remedies for small gallbladder affections such as gallstones before sending you to the operating room. This proves that these teas can dissolve the stone and increase your liver and kidney function. However, remember this is a medical treatment and you need to be supervised when taking it in order to avoid unnecessary complications. Efficient Tea for Gallbladder A Tea for Gallbladder’s main purpose is to improve your liver and kidney functioning, by cleansing the urinary and digestive systems. Thanks to their active constituents, many of these teas have the ability to reconstruct your damaged cells or make your body produce some new ones. In any case, you’ll notice an improvement within weeks. If nothing seems to be working, however, talk to your doctor as soon as possible and don’t try to treat it at home! If you don’t know which Tea for Gallbladder fits best your needs, here’s a list to help you out: - Peppermint Tea – some say that this decoction will dissolve gallstones in no time. Aside from that, it’s one hundred percent safe and it will also help you in case you’re suffering from diarrhea, asthenia, anemia, headaches, stress, anxiety or sore throat. It has a pleasant taste and fragrance and it could successfully replace your morning coffee. - Green Tea – of course, let’s not forget the world’s richest tea! This Tea for Gallbladder contains the right amount of nutrients, enzymes and minerals so not only that it will flush all gallstones out of your system, but it will also heal the wounded cells and restore your general well being. Just don’t take it in case you’re experiencing menstrual and menopausal symptoms. - Lemon Tea – you can either make it from leaves or fruits. This Tea for Gallbladder will eliminate all unwanted affections and stop all infections from developing. Take a sip every 5 minutes for about an hour every day and enjoy this tea’s wonderful effect! Tea for Gallbladder Side Effects When taken properly, these teas are generally safe. However, don’t exceed the number of cups recommended per day in order to avoid other problems, such as stomach irritations, nausea, vomiting and even hallucination. If you’ve been taking one of these teas for a while and you feel that something’s not alright, ask for medical assistance immediately! Once you have the medical approval, choose a Tea for Gallbladder that seems right for you and enjoy its great benefits!... tea for gallbladder

Cholecystitis

Acute or chronic. One of the commonest acute abdominal emergencies. An impressive rise in incidence in the young female population has been linked with the use of oral contraceptives. Other causes: heavy consumption of animal fats, sugars.

Symptoms. Severe upper abdominal pain, often radiating to the shoulder and right midback. Constancy of the pain contrasts with the repeated brief attacks of gall-stone (biliary) colic. Sweating, shallow erratic breathing, tenderness upper right abdomen, distension, flatulence, nausea, intolerance of fatty foods.

In cases of suspected cholecystitis, bitter herbs help liquefy bile and prevent consolidation. Prevention: Blue Flag, or Wild Yam, 2 tablets at night.

For infection: Echinacea.

Alternatives. BHP (1983) selection: Barberry, Mountain Grape, Balmony, Fringe Tree, Wild Yam, Wahoo, Chiretta, Dandelion, Black root; according to individual case. Milk Thistle.

Teas. Agrimony, Milk Thistle, Fumitory, Black Horehound, Wormwood. 1 heaped teaspoon to each cup boiling water, infuse 15 minutes. Half-1 cup freely.

Cold tea. One teaspoon Barberry bark to each cup cold water. Steep overnight. Half-1 cup freely. Tablets/capsules. Blue Flag. Echinacea, Wild Yam, Milk Thistle.

Powders. Equal parts: Echinacea, Wild Yam, Milk Thistle. Dose: 500mg (two 00 capsules, or one-third teaspoon) thrice daily.

Tinctures. Equal parts: Wild Yam, Blue Flag, Milk Thistle. 1 teaspoon thrice daily in water.

Topical. Castor oil pack over painful area.

Diet. Low fat. Avoid dairy products.

Supplementation. Vitamins A, B-complex, C. Bromelain, Zinc. Note. See entry: COURVOISER’S LAW. ... gall bladder, inflammation

(triple rhythm) a third heart sound, which in association with a fast heart rate resembles the sound of a galloping horse. It is a sign of left ventricular failure (see heart failure).... gallop rhythm

Gallstones are solid accumulations that stick to your gallbladder due to impurities, kidney failure or other health problems. Usually, your doctor would prescribe a laser surgery to dissolve them, but many practitioners recommend an herbal treatment before sharpening their scalpels. You must also take into consideration the fact that the surgery is painful and expensive while the herbal treatment costs you nothing. How a Tea for Gallstones Works A Tea for Gallstones’ main goal is to trigger a positive response from your body and make it produce the enzymes necessary for the gallstones absorption. In order to do that, a Tea for Gallstones must contain the right amount of active constituents, such as acids, natural enzymes, tannins, nutrients and minerals (iron, sodium, manganese and magnesium are well known for their curative properties, especially when it comes to removing gallstones and other gallbladder affections). Efficient Tea for Gallstones When starting a treatment based on a Tea for Gallstones, you must keep in mind the fact that it must be both efficient and one hundred percent safe. Ingesting a small amount of tea every now and then will make your body produce all the necessary substances to fight the solid accumulations and heal the affected areas. However, drinking more tea than it’s advised will not make you healthy faster. Just take your time and wait for the treatment to be effective. If you don’t know which teas are good, here’s a list to choose from: - Green Tea –this Tea for Gallstones has all the ingredients necessary to sustain life, as the scientists have shown, so it’s good for a number of health problems, from sore throats to diabetes. Green Tea contains an elevated level of acids so it can dissolve your gallstones in no time. However, make sure you don’t take it if you’re experiencing menopausal or menstrual symptoms. - Milk Thistle Tea – contains an active ingredient called silymarin and it’s recommended for a wide range of affections which include gallstones and other kidney problems. However, don’t take more than 2 cups per day for a short time period (1 or 2 weeks) in order to avoid other health complications. - Globe Artichoke Tea – is very effective in all kidney problems, especially kidney failure and gallstones. This Tea for Gallstones contains antioxidants, such as caffeylquinic acids which has proven its curative properties in the past years. However, if you’re pregnant, you may want to talk to your doctor before making any move. Tea for Gallstones Side Effects When taken properly, these teas are generally safe. Exceeding the number of cups recommended per day, however, might lead to a series of health complications, such as diarrhea, constipation, headaches, skin rash and even vomiting. If you’ve been taking one of these teas for a while and you’ve noticed some unusual reactions, talk to your doctor as soon as possible! If you have the medical approval and there’s nothing that could interfere with your treatment, choose a Tea for Gallstones that fits best your needs and enjoy its great benefits!... tea for gallstones

Lumps of solid matter found in the gallbladder, or in the bile ducts. Gallstones are composed mainly of cholesterol and bile pigments from the breakdown of red blood cells. They develop when there is a disturbance in the chemical composition of bile.

Gallstones are rare in childhood and become increasingly common with age. Women are affected more than men. Risk factors include a high-fat diet and being overweight.

Most gallstones cause no symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they often begin when a stone gets stuck in the duct leading from the gallbladder, causing biliary colic and nausea. Gallstones may cause indigestion and flatulence. Possible complications are cholecystitis and bile duct obstruction.Diagnosis is by ultrasound scanning, X-ray oral cholecystography, or cholangiography.

Stones that are not causing symptoms are usually left alone.

In other cases, the gallbladder and stones may be removed by cholecystectomy.

Ultrasonic shock waves (see lithotripsy) are sometimes used to shatter stones; the fragments pass into the bowel and cause no further problems.

Drugs such as chenodeoxycholic acid or ursodeoxycholic acid can dissolve some stones if given over a period of months.... gallstones

n. a hard mass composed of bile pigments, cholesterol, and calcium salts, in varying proportions, that can form in the gall bladder. The formation of gallstones (cholelithiasis) occurs when the physical characteristics of bile alter so that cholesterol is less soluble or there is an excess of bile pigments. Diminished contractility of the gall bladder may also be a contributory factor, leading to biliary stasis. Gallstones may exist for many years without causing symptoms. However, they may cause severe pain (see biliary colic) or they may pass into the common bile duct and cause obstructive *jaundice or *cholangitis. Gallstones are usually diagnosed by ultrasonography, but those containing calcium may be seen on a plain X-ray (opaque stones). Symptomatic cholelithiasis is usually treated by surgical removal of the gall bladder (see cholecystectomy). Nonsurgical treatments, such as gallstone-dissolving drugs or lithotripsy, have proved less successful and are not in widespread use.... gallstone