Biliary colic occurs when gallstones temporarily block the cystic duct or the common bile duct. If this blockage is prolonged, it can lead to cholecystitis, causing inflammation of the gallbladder wall. The major risk factors for developing gallstones and gallbladder disease are being fair, female, fat, and fertile. Typical symptoms include constant pain in the abdominal upper right side, as well as nausea, vomiting, and fever. Many patients also report experiencing recurrent episodes of this pain.
The treatment for biliary colic depends on the severity of the symptoms. Patients in the acute phase, where there is acute and severe inflammation, need to be hospitalized and closely monitored to prevent complications such as gangrene and perforation. Once the acute phase has subsided, treatment focuses on reducing inflammation, removing the obstruction, and preventing recurrence of symptoms. Ayurvedic medicines like Shank-Vati, Hingashtak-Churna, Agnitundi-Vati, Vishtinduk-Vati, Vat-Gajankush-Ras, and Triphala-Guggulu can be used to alleviate persistent pain. Medicines like Shankh-Bhasma, Praval-Panchamrut, Kamdudha-Ras, Sutshekhar-Ras, and Chandrakala-Ras can be used if there is a high degree of inflammation in the gallbladder. Medicines like Arogya-Vardhini, Sharpunkha, Kutki, Tamra-Bhasma, Punarnava, Kalmegh, Devdangri, Bhrungraj, Bhumiamalaki, Yav-Kshar, Swarjika-Kshar, Surya-Kshar, and Apamarga-Kshar can help remove gallstones and relieve obstruction.
To prevent the recurrence of biliary colic, low doses of Arogya-Vardhini, Sutshekhar-Ras, and Shankh-Vati can be prescribed for extended periods. Diabetes, HIV, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and prolonged fasting are known risk factors for gallbladder disease and gallstones. Depending on the specific condition, additional preventive treatments should be given to patients with these risk factors to prevent cholecystitis and biliary colic. Medicines like Triphala-Guggulu and Arogya-Vardhini can be effective for patients with cardiovascular disease and obesity. Chandraprabha-Vati can be included in the treatment plan for patients with diabetes. Patients with HIV might benefit from medications such as Bhumiamalaki, Yashtimadhuk, and Bhrungraj to prevent gallbladder pathology.
Biliary colic and cholecystitis require a comprehensive approach to treatment, both before hospitalization, during hospitalization, and after. Surgery may be necessary for patients at risk of imminent perforation or experiencing severe complications. It may also be recommended for patients who do not respond to standard medical therapy and continue to have recurrent symptoms.
