What are the symptoms of gallstones?

The symptoms of gallstones mainly include right upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, jaundice, etc. In severe cases, medical treatment should be sought promptly. Gallstones are caused by abnormal bile composition or gallbladder dysfunction. Common symptoms include abdominal pain, indigestion, fever, etc. Treatment methods include drug therapy, surgical treatment and dietary adjustment.

1. Pain in the right upper abdomen is a typical symptom of gallstones, usually manifested as paroxysmal colic, especially aggravated after eating greasy food. The pain may radiate to the shoulder and back, and last from a few minutes to several hours. This pain is caused by stones blocking the bile duct, resulting in gallbladder contraction and obstruction of bile discharge. Patients are advised to avoid eating greasy food when pain occurs and seek medical attention as soon as possible.

2. Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms associated with gallstones, especially when abdominal pain occurs. This is caused by the obstruction of gallbladder contraction and bile excretion, which stimulates the gastrointestinal tract. Patients should maintain a light diet and avoid overeating. If necessary, they can take antiemetic drugs to relieve symptoms.

3. Jaundice is one of the serious symptoms of gallstones, manifested as yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes. This is caused by the stones blocking the bile duct, which prevents bile from being discharged normally and causes bilirubin to accumulate in the blood. Patients with jaundice need to see a doctor immediately for blood tests and imaging tests to determine the location and size of the stones and develop a corresponding treatment plan.

4. Indigestion is a common symptom of gallstones, manifested as abdominal distension, belching, loss of appetite, etc. This is caused by insufficient bile secretion or obstructed bile excretion, which affects fat digestion and absorption. Patients should avoid high-fat foods, increase dietary fiber intake, and take digestive drugs if necessary.

5. Fever is a symptom of gallstone infection, usually accompanied by chills and tenderness in the right upper abdomen. This is caused by gallstones blocking the bile duct, leading to bile stasis and bacterial infection. Patients with fever need to seek medical attention immediately, receive antibiotic treatment, and undergo surgical drainage if necessary.

Treatments for gallstones include medication, surgery, and dietary adjustments. Common medications include ursodeoxycholic acid, chenodeoxycholic acid, etc., which can dissolve cholesterol stones. Surgical treatments include laparoscopic cholecystectomy, open cholecystectomy, etc., which are suitable for patients with severe symptoms or ineffective medication. Dietary adjustments recommend that patients avoid high-fat, high-cholesterol foods, increase dietary fiber intake, maintain a regular diet, and exercise moderately. Patients with gallstones should choose appropriate treatments based on the severity of their symptoms, and have regular checkups to prevent recurrence and complications.