What are the dangers of gallstones?

The hazards of gallstones mainly include biliary colic, acute cholecystitis, and bile duct obstruction. In severe cases, it may lead to gallbladder gangrene, perforation, or biliary pancreatitis, which requires timely attention and active intervention.

Gallstones can cause biliary colic, which is caused by stones irritating the gallbladder or bile ducts, and manifests as severe radiating pain in the right upper abdomen or shoulders and back, often accompanied by nausea and vomiting. If the stones block the bile duct, it may also lead to acute cholecystitis, which is manifested by fever and leukocytosis. In severe cases, it may progress to suppurative cholecystitis and even gallbladder gangrene and perforation. Gallstones may cause jaundice, which is manifested by yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes and darker urine. Even more dangerous is that stones can lead to biliary pancreatitis, which is manifested by severe abdominal pain and shock, and can be life-threatening if not treated in time. Long-term gallstones also increase the risk of gallbladder cancer, especially for patients with long-term large or calcified stones in the gallbladder.

Gallstones can cause biliary colic, which is caused by stones irritating the gallbladder or bile ducts, and manifests as severe radiating pain in the right upper abdomen or shoulders and back, often accompanied by nausea and vomiting. If the stones block the bile duct, it may also lead to acute cholecystitis, which is manifested by fever and leukocytosis. In severe cases, it may progress to suppurative cholecystitis and even gallbladder gangrene and perforation. Gallstones may cause jaundice, which is manifested by yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes and darker urine. Even more dangerous is that stones can lead to biliary pancreatitis, which is manifested by severe abdominal pain and shock, and can be life-threatening if not treated in time. Long-term gallstones also increase the risk of gallbladder cancer, especially for patients with long-term large or calcified stones in the gallbladder.

To prevent and reduce the harm caused by gallstones, we should first pay attention to healthy diet, avoid high-fat, high-cholesterol foods, and eat more fruits and vegetables rich in dietary fiber. Develop a regular schedule and exercise moderately to avoid obesity and rapid weight loss. After the diagnosis of gallstones, patients with mild symptoms can choose drug treatment according to the doctor's advice, such as ursodeoxycholic acid for litholysis. In case of severe symptoms or complications, surgical treatment should be considered, such as laparoscopic cholecystectomy, endoscopic retrograde pancreaticocholangiopancreatography (ERCP), etc. In case of biliary colic or associated symptoms, you should seek medical attention in time to avoid delaying the condition.