Childhood Gallstones: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Gallstones are typically an adult problem, but children may sometimes develop gallstones. Gallstones can cause serious pain and require medical intervention.

Formation

• Gallstones form when the bile that is stored within the gallbladder hardens into solid masses that can be very tiny or as big as a golf ball. This is most likely to happen when the bile contains excessive amounts of bilirubin, salts or cholesterol.

Causes

• Gallstones are more likely to occur in children who are overweight, those who have red blood cell abnormalities such as sickle cell anemia and those children who have a family history of gallstones.

Symptoms

• Children with gallstones will feel pain in the upper or right abdominal area. The pain may radiate to the back and may be worse after eating meals containing excess fat. The child may also feel nauseated and may vomit.

Diagnosis

• Gallstones may be diagnosed using an ultrasound.

Treatment

• The only successful treatment for gallstones is the removal of the gallbladder.