Three major misunderstandings in the treatment of gallstones

In the process of treating gallstones, many people have misunderstandings, such as blindly relying on drugs to expel stones, not paying attention to lifestyle adjustments, and thinking that there is no need for treatment if there are no symptoms. These misunderstandings may aggravate the condition or miss the best time for treatment.

Many people think that the gallstone problem can be solved by taking stone-removing drugs. In fact, gallstones are divided into cholesterol stones and pigment stones. Drugs may have a certain effect on some small cholesterol stones, but they cannot completely remove larger stones or complex stones. Instead, they may cause risks such as bile duct obstruction. Some people do not change their high-fat and high-sugar diets, do not control their weight, or have a sedentary lifestyle. These behaviors can easily cause abnormal bile metabolism and further aggravate stone formation. Some people think that asymptomatic gallstones do not need to be taken seriously. In fact, asymptomatic stones do not mean safety. Long-term existence may damage the gallbladder and even cause acute cholecystitis or biliary infection.

In order to avoid these misunderstandings, it is necessary to follow the guidance of a professional doctor when treating gallstones. For smaller cholesterol stones, they can be treated by taking litholytic drugs such as ursodeoxycholic acid; if the stones are large or the symptoms are clear, minimally invasive laparoscopic cholecystectomy is one of the safe and effective treatments currently available. Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy can also be used to treat some special stones. A low-fat diet should be maintained on a daily basis, and foods rich in dietary fiber, such as oats and vegetables, should be consumed to help regulate cholesterol metabolism; at the same time, drink plenty of water and exercise appropriately to reduce the saturation of cholesterol in the bile, thereby preventing the formation of new stones.

When treating gallstones, it is important to avoid self-medication and delayed treatment. Regular physical examinations are also key. If you experience symptoms such as severe pain in the right upper abdomen, jaundice, or fever, you should seek medical attention immediately to avoid more serious complications. Scientific treatment and maintenance of healthy habits can effectively control gallstones and reduce the risk of recurrence.