What are the dangers of gallstones?

Gallstones may cause a series of health problems such as cholecystitis, bile duct obstruction, pancreatitis, etc., and even endanger life in severe cases, so they need to be taken seriously. Gallstones are mainly formed by the deposition of cholesterol, bile pigments and calcium salts. Although many patients have no obvious symptoms, once the stones move or cause complications, they may cause serious health threats.

The first common hazard of gallstones is acute cholecystitis. When the stones block the cystic duct and bile cannot be discharged, they will irritate the inner wall of the gallbladder, causing severe right upper abdominal pain, fever, nausea and vomiting. If not treated in time, it may develop into gallbladder gangrene or even perforation. The second common hazard is bile duct obstruction. When the bile duct is stuck by stones, it can lead to bile stasis, jaundice, yellow urine, itchy skin and other problems. Long-term blockage may also cause bile duct infection and suppurative cholangitis. The most serious complication of gallstones is pancreatitis, especially when the opening of the pancreatic duct is blocked, the reflux of pancreatic juice can easily cause acute pancreatitis, which manifests as severe upper abdominal pain, fever and even shock. Long-term untreated gallstones may also increase the risk of gallbladder cancer. Especially for people whose gallbladder wall is chronically irritated, they need to be alert to the possibility of cancer.

The first common hazard of gallstones is acute cholecystitis. When the stones block the cystic duct and bile cannot be discharged, they will irritate the inner wall of the gallbladder, causing severe right upper abdominal pain, fever, nausea and vomiting. If not treated in time, it may develop into gallbladder gangrene or even perforation. The second common hazard is bile duct obstruction. When the bile duct is stuck by stones, it can lead to bile stasis, jaundice, yellow urine, itchy skin and other problems. Long-term blockage may also cause bile duct infection and suppurative cholangitis. The most serious complication of gallstones is pancreatitis, especially when the opening of the pancreatic duct is blocked, the reflux of pancreatic juice can easily cause acute pancreatitis, which manifests as severe upper abdominal pain, fever and even shock. Long-term untreated gallstones may also increase the risk of gallbladder cancer. Especially for people whose gallbladder wall is chronically irritated, they need to be alert to the possibility of cancer.

To prevent or reduce the harm of gallstones, regular physical examinations are recommended, including abdominal ultrasound examinations to detect stones early. If the stones have caused discomfort or complications, symptomatic treatment is very important, such as oral ursodeoxycholic acid stone dissolution, laparoscopic cholecystectomy, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) stone removal, etc. In daily life, avoid eating too greasy food, maintain a healthy weight, consume more dietary fiber, and exercise moderately to promote bile flow. If you experience persistent right upper abdominal pain or obvious jaundice symptoms, you should seek medical attention immediately without delay to avoid more serious consequences.