How to care for patients with gallstones

Nursing for patients with gallstones requires three aspects: dietary management, lifestyle improvement, and regular check-ups to relieve symptoms, prevent worsening of the disease, and reduce the risk of recurrence. The nursing process for gallstones should be personalized according to the patient's specific symptoms and condition.

Dietary management is crucial for patients with gallstones. Patients are advised to adopt a low-fat, low-cholesterol, high-fiber diet and avoid foods that may induce gallbladder contraction, such as animal offal, fried foods, and high-sugar beverages. Maintain a regular diet every day and avoid overeating to reduce the risk of excessive bile concentration. Eating more foods rich in dietary fiber, such as whole grains, vegetables, and fruits, can promote gastrointestinal motility, help bile excretion, and reduce the possibility of stone formation. For patients with obvious symptoms, light and easily digestible foods can be chosen, such as steamed chicken, fish, and soy products.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is equally important for preventing gallstones from worsening and recurring. Patients are advised to control their weight and avoid rapid weight loss, because excessive weight loss in a short period of time can cause bile metabolism disorders and increase the risk of gallstones. Moderate exercise can improve the contraction function of the gallbladder. Doing moderate-intensity aerobic exercise 5 times a week for 30 minutes each time, such as walking, yoga, or cycling, can promote bile circulation. Avoiding long-term sitting, maintaining a good work and rest routine, and reducing work and life stress are all helpful in maintaining gallbladder function.

Regular follow-up is required during the nursing period to assess the condition. Ultrasound examination is currently an effective means of monitoring gallstones and provides a basis for further treatment. If the patient has symptoms such as persistent right upper abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, high fever or skin jaundice, it may indicate acute cholecystitis or bile duct obstruction. Medical attention should be sought as soon as possible and surgical treatment should be received if necessary, such as laparoscopic cholecystectomy or endoscopic retrograde pancreaticocholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Drug treatment options include litholytic drugs (such as ursodeoxycholic acid), which are suitable for patients who cannot tolerate surgery, but the efficacy varies from person to person.

Gallstone care requires long-term persistence and careful management by the patient, not only to control diet and weight, but also to pay close attention to body signals. If symptoms worsen or treatment is ineffective, seek help from a professional doctor in time to avoid serious complications.