Gallstones Symptoms and Diagnosis

Symptoms of gallstones may include severe pain in the right upper abdomen, nausea, vomiting, and jaundice. If the pain persists or is accompanied by fever, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible to avoid worsening of the condition.

The symptoms of gallstones mainly depend on the size, number and location of the stones. The common manifestation is biliary colic, which is severe pain in the right upper abdomen or upper middle abdomen. The pain often occurs after eating greasy or irritating foods and may radiate to the back or right shoulder. Some patients also feel nausea and vomiting, and some may have indigestion or abdominal distension. If the stones block the bile duct, it may cause cholangitis, symptoms of which include jaundice (yellowing of the skin and sclera), high fever, chills and obvious abdominal pain. In severe cases, it can be life-threatening. For some asymptomatic "static gallstones", they are often discovered accidentally during physical examinations or ultrasound examinations, and their impact on health is relatively small.

The diagnosis of gallstones relies mainly on imaging tests, and routine abdominal ultrasound is the first choice because it is noninvasive, highly sensitive, and inexpensive. If ultrasound does not provide complete information, the doctor may recommend magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) or, if common bile duct stones are suspected, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Laboratory tests such as complete blood tests and liver function tests can be used to evaluate whether there is infection or cholestasis. Regular visits should be made to evaluate the size of the stones and the development of symptoms.

To prevent gallstones, avoid high-fat, high-cholesterol foods, eat more vegetables and fruits rich in dietary fiber, control weight and avoid rapid weight loss. Mild cases can be relieved by adjusting diet and lifestyle; once there is severe pain or signs of infection, seek medical attention as soon as possible for drug treatment (such as antispasmodics and antibiotics) or surgical treatment (such as laparoscopic cholecystectomy).