Yaz Lawsuit Gallbladder
Women throughout the country continue to file Yaz lawsuit gallbladder claims based on suffering gallbladder problems while taking Yaz, Yasmin or Ocella birth control. Some critics attribute the formation of Yaz gallbladder side effects to two primary factors. First, there is a marked rise in the level of cholesterol produced by the liver. Second, the gallbladder fails to empty properly due to a reduction in the force and frequency of its contractions. This allows bile fluid and excess cholesterol to remain within the gall bladder. They become more concentrated, and grow stagnant. The excess cholesterol begins to crystallize; stagnant, concentrated bile fluid accumulates with other materials to form biliary sludge. Both can lead to the development of stones.
In most cases, Yaz and gallstones present no noticeable problems. This can change quickly, however. The stones can become symptomatic, and in the absence of treatment, lead to acute complications in the biliary tract. We’ll describe a few of the most serious medical issues below.
Acute Cholecystitis
Cholecystitis is inflammation of the gallbladder. It typically occurs when stones migrate outside the organ, and block the cystic duct. Bile fluid is prevented from passing into the common bile duct, and instead, is trapped inside the gall bladder. As it becomes more concentrated, it begins to irritate the inner lining. The organ’s wall eventually becomes inflamed, which triggers sharp abdominal pain and nausea.
When symptomatic stones are allowed to remain within the inflamed gall bladder, they can cause the wall of the organ to slowly erode. Small holes – or perforations – can develop, which allow bile fluid to leak into the abdominal cavity. Unless treatment is administered, infection can occur within the gallbladder and abdominal cavity, and spread to other areas of your body.
Choledocholithiasis
Choledocholithiasis is the presence of stones in the common bile duct. Sometimes, they form within the duct as the result of bile stasis, biliary sludge, and an increased level of bilirubin. More commonly, however, the stones originate in the gall bladder (for reasons described earlier), and migrate into the duct.
Symptoms typically present when the stones form a blockage, and prevent the passage of bile. Indications are similar to those associated with acute cholecystitis, including abdominal pain and nausea. If the blockage persists, or moves downstream in the biliary tract, it can lead to serious complications, such as cholangitis.
Cholangitis
Cholangitis is an infection within the common bile duct. It stems from bacterial colonization that overwhelms the body’s immune system. Bacteria is usually present in bile throughout the biliary tract whenever stones are present. However, as long as bile fluid flows unimpeded from the gall bladder to the duodenum (upper portion of the small intestine), infection rarely occurs. Yaz side effects caused by gallstones that block the common bile duct prevent bile from passing, and allow bacteria to grow. This leads to infection.
When a blockage exists in the bile duct, bacteria from the duodenum can enter the duct, and climb upward through the biliary tree. This is called ascending cholangitis. Unless the bacterial colonization is resolved (typically, with the use of antibiotics), infection will approach the gallbladder and liver. Organ damage becomes a serious risk.
Eventually, bacteria can enter your bloodstream, and allow infection to become systemic. At that point, the condition is life-threatening. Sepsis and septic shock are imminent.
Acute Pancreatitis
Gallstones can also travel further downstream in the common bile duct, past the ampulla of Vater. This is the juncture where the bile duct is joined by the pancreatic duct. Your pancreas secretes fluid that is largely comprised of digestive enzymes. These enzymes travel through the duct to the duodenum where they aid in digestion. When stones block the duct, and thus block the passage of pancreatic fluid, these enzymes begin to digest the cells of the pancreas. This is called acute pancreatitis.
Presentation begins with inflammation, but can quickly worsen as damage to the pancreas increases. With extensive damage, bleeding can occur, allowing toxins and bacteria to gain entry into your bloodstream. This condition, unless resolved, can be fatal.
Problems related to Yaz and gallstones expose many otherwise healthy women to serious medical emergencies. If you have suffered from gallstones, gallbladder disease, or other Ocella, Yasmin or Yaz gallbladder side effects, you may be able to file a claim against the manufacturer. Contact an experienced Yaz lawsuit gallbladder lawyer to discuss your case.
