What are the symptoms of gallstones in the elderly

Symptoms of gallstones in the elderly may include pain in the upper right abdomen, nausea and vomiting, indigestion, and yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice). If you experience these symptoms, you need to see a doctor as soon as possible. Mild symptoms may not be obvious, but sudden and severe pain is usually a sign of bile duct obstruction or cholecystitis.

Elderly people often suffer from gallstones due to slow metabolism, eating habits and deterioration of liver and gallbladder function. When the symptoms are mild, they may only manifest as abdominal distension or dull pain after meals, which can be easily confused with stomach problems; when the symptoms are severe, radiating pain may occur in the right shoulder and back, and fever and chills may occur during infection. Some patients will have yellow skin and eyes due to stones blocking the bile duct. If not treated for a long time, it may cause complications such as cholecystitis and pancreatitis, and even be life-threatening. Ultrasound examination is a common means of diagnosis, which is non-invasive and rapid.

Elderly people often suffer from gallstones due to slow metabolism, eating habits and deterioration of liver and gallbladder function. When the symptoms are mild, they may only manifest as abdominal distension or dull pain after meals, which can be easily confused with stomach problems; when the symptoms are severe, radiating pain may occur in the right shoulder and back, and fever and chills may occur during infection. Some patients will have yellow skin and eyes due to stones blocking the bile duct. If not treated for a long time, it may cause complications such as cholecystitis and pancreatitis, and even be life-threatening. Ultrasound examination is a common means of diagnosis, which is non-invasive and rapid.

Elderly people should pay attention to eating a light diet, eat more foods rich in dietary fiber, such as whole grains, vegetables and fruits, control cholesterol intake, and maintain moderate exercise to promote metabolism. For those who already have symptoms, they should seek medical attention in time, make a clear diagnosis through B-ultrasound, and choose surgical treatment (such as laparoscopic cholecystectomy), extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, or use litholytic drugs when necessary. Regular physical examinations and paying attention to body signals are important measures to prevent and treat gallstones.