Gallstones vs Kidney Stones - Similarities and How are they different?

Diagnosis - November 9, 2023 | 07:40 pm- Added by Neal Mathews

Did you know that the human body is like a machine with many organs working together to keep us alive and kicking? Each organ performs a unique function that is vital for our survival. It's truly amazing how all these pieces fit together to make us who we are!
Sometimes, due to certain mineral accumulation, some organs may develop stones.

Kidneys are responsible for developing kidney stones whereas the gallbladder for gallstones. Both the stones are excruciating and cause a lot of discomfort.

Kidney stones and gallstones have significant differences, in causes, symptoms, treatment, diagnosis, location, risk factors, and prevention. Keep reading to know more about the difference between gallstones and kidney stones.

What are gallstones?

The gallbladder in the human body is a part of the digestive system located just below the liver. It is a pouch-like structure and its function is to store bile.

Gallstones are typically formed when substances such as cholesterol in the gallbladder become hardened. When this happens, the gallstones can cause blockages in either the bile duct or gallbladder. These stones can range in size, from as small as a grain of rice to as large as a golf ball.

What are kidney stones?

Kidneys in the human body are the two bean-shaped organs. Their main function is to filter the blood and are a part of the kidney and urinary system. Kidneys and small intestine are also responsible for removing waste in the form of urine.

Kidney stones are formed from the chemicals found in the urine. Mostly, when urine has too much deposit of waste, the chemicals clump together and form a stone. It can be found in different sizes from as small as a grain of sand to as large as a golf ball and can cause extreme pain.

Difference between gallstones and kidney stones

"Both can form gallstones, and the organs kidneys and gallbladder may develop stones that cause extreme pain and discomfort. The stones and gallstone formation formed by gallbladder and by kidneys and the gallbladder stones are different on many factors. It is very important to understand the difference between both gallstones, and gallbladder and kidney stones to prevent the condition.

Comparison chart

Basis	Gallstones	Kidney Stone
Location	The bile duct of the gallbladder	Urinary tract
Symptoms	Abdominal pain Back pain Fever and chills Jaundice Dark-coloured urine Vomiting Sudden pain in the center of the stomach	Blood in urine Vomiting Fever and chills Nausea Severe back pain Pain while urinating Foul-smell or cloudy urine
Risk factors	Being over the age of 40 Overweight individuals Consuming low fiber diet Family history of gallstones Being a woman Experienced significant weight loss Pregnancy	Family history of kidney stones Consuming a less fluid diet Overweight individuals Consuming a high-protein diet Individuals living in warm and dry climate Re-occurring urinary tract infection
Type of stone	Cholesterol gallstones Pigment gallstones	Calcium kidney stones Uric acid kidney stones Cysteine kidney stones Struvite kidney stones
Recurrence	The occurrence of gallstones is very high.	Nearly 50% of individuals who experience kidney stones are at risk of recurrence.
Diagnosis	Abdominal ultrasound Endoscopic ultrasound Blood tests CT Scan MRI Cholescintigraphy	Ultrasound Urine test Blood test CT Scan Intravenous pyelogram
Treatment	Medications Surgery	Medications Lithotripsy Ureteroscopy Nephrolithotomy
Prevention	Limit intake of fried and junk food Consume fibrous diet Eat more fruits and vegetables Consume whole-grain food Do not reduce weight in a go	Maintain a healthy weight Keep moving Limit salt intake Drink plenty of water Consume fresh juices

Conclusion

Kidney stones and gallstones are common issues worldwide and are affecting many individuals. Consuming plenty of water and fluids may decrease the risk of developing kidney stones and gallstone. Moreover, one should eat more fresh fruits and vegetables and take a less sugar and salt diet. If someone experiences more than two symptoms of kidney stones or gallstones, it is important to consult a doctor for a proper treatment plan.