4 Differences between gallbladder and kidney stones

Both gallbladder and kidney stones are formed in the body. They can exist inside our bodies without any symptoms, and don't require any treatment unless they are manifested with pain or any other clinical signs. Despite all of these, gallbladder and kidney stones aren't completely similar. So, through this topic we will highlight the most significant differences between gallbladder and kidney stones.

1.    Gallbladder stones are formed inside the gallbladder and cause pain when they obstruct the bile duct or gallbladder. On the other side, kidney stones are formed in the urinary system, they usually cause pain when they become lodged inside the ureter or cause obstruction of urine flow.

2.    Excessive intake of fatty foods could be responsible for formation of gallbladder stones, while kidney stones usually develop due to excessive intake of foods rich in sodium or oxalate. Also, decreased fluid intake increases the incidence of kidney stones. 

3.    The pain caused by gallbladder stones is usually felt in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen, and may radiate to the right shoulder or to the back. While pain caused by kidney stones is mainly felt in the lower back and sides of the body. Also, it may radiate to the lower abdomen and groin areas.

4.    The associated clinical picture of gallbladder stones includes; fever, nausea, vomiting and mal-digestion. On the other side, the associated clinical picture of kidney stones, includes; nausea, dysuria, hematuria and recurrent UTI.