What are the symptoms of gallstones?

The main symptoms of gallstones include right upper abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, indigestion and decreased appetite. In severe cases, jaundice and fever may occur. Some patients may have no obvious symptoms but the stones continue to develop.

The symptoms of gallstones vary. The most common is biliary colic, which is usually located in the right upper abdomen. The pain is mostly intermittent and may radiate to the right shoulder or back. It usually occurs after eating greasy food or at night. Nausea and vomiting are also common symptoms, often accompanied by problems such as indigestion, intolerance to fat diets, and abdominal distension. Some patients may experience jaundice, which indicates that the bile duct may be blocked by stones, resulting in the inability to discharge bile normally, and yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes. If accompanied by fever or even chills, it indicates that cholecystitis or cholangitis may develop, which is a more serious complication and requires timely medical attention. For some patients, especially middle-aged and elderly women with larger bodies, gallstones may not have obvious symptoms in the early stages, but the stones can gradually increase in size and even cause other risks.

The symptoms of gallstones vary. The most common is biliary colic, which is usually located in the right upper abdomen. The pain is mostly intermittent and may radiate to the right shoulder or back. It usually occurs after eating greasy food or at night. Nausea and vomiting are also common symptoms, often accompanied by problems such as indigestion, intolerance to fat diets, and abdominal distension. Some patients may experience jaundice, which indicates that the bile duct may be blocked by stones, resulting in the inability to discharge bile normally, and yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes. If accompanied by fever or even chills, it indicates that cholecystitis or cholangitis may develop, which is a more serious complication and requires timely medical attention. For some patients, especially middle-aged and elderly women with larger bodies, gallstones may not have obvious symptoms in the early stages, but the stones can gradually increase in size and even cause other risks.

In daily life, a proper diet and healthy habits can help prevent the formation of gallstones. It is recommended to reduce fat intake, especially animal fat, consume more high-fiber foods such as whole grains, vegetables and fruits, and avoid overeating and irregular eating. Maintaining moderate exercise can promote digestion and bile flow, which is especially important for obese people. Regular physical examinations are very important, especially for those with a family history of gallstones or early symptoms such as indigestion. Abdominal ultrasound can be used to determine whether gallstones are present. If the symptoms are obvious or accompanied by jaundice, fever, etc., you should seek medical attention in time, and choose drug dissolution, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, or laparoscopic cholecystectomy according to the situation to completely solve the problem.