Gallstones Symptoms and Diagnosis

Symptoms of gallstones include right upper abdominal pain, radiating pain in the back and shoulders, nausea, vomiting, etc., especially after eating high-fat foods. However, some patients may have no obvious symptoms and require imaging to assist in diagnosis.

Gallstones are pathological products caused by abnormal bile composition or incomplete emptying in the gallbladder. The typical symptom is sudden and severe colic in the right upper abdomen, which can spread to the back or right shoulder. This is usually called biliary colic. After eating greasy food, the gallbladder contracts, causing the coexisting inflammation or stones to shift. This pain may last for several minutes to several hours. Some patients may also have non-specific symptoms such as indigestion, belching, and abdominal distension. In severe cases, fever and jaundice may occur, indicating concurrent biliary infection or gallstone obstruction. Asymptomatic gallstones are usually discovered accidentally during a physical examination. The best way to diagnose gallstones is abdominal ultrasound, because it is easy to operate and has a high accuracy rate. It can also detect concurrent cholecystitis. In special circumstances, CT or magnetic resonance imaging (such as MRCP) is sometimes used as an auxiliary examination to help further clarify the condition.

Gallstones are pathological products caused by abnormal bile composition or incomplete emptying in the gallbladder. The typical symptom is sudden and severe colic in the right upper abdomen, which can spread to the back or right shoulder. This is usually called biliary colic. After eating greasy food, the gallbladder contracts, causing the coexisting inflammation or stones to shift. This pain may last for several minutes to several hours. Some patients may also have non-specific symptoms such as indigestion, belching, and abdominal distension. In severe cases, fever and jaundice may occur, indicating concurrent biliary infection or gallstone obstruction. Asymptomatic gallstones are usually discovered accidentally during a physical examination. The best way to diagnose gallstones is abdominal ultrasound, because it is easy to operate and has a high accuracy rate. It can also detect concurrent cholecystitis. In special circumstances, CT or magnetic resonance imaging (such as MRCP) is sometimes used as an auxiliary examination to help further clarify the condition.

In daily life, avoiding overeating, maintaining a regular work and rest schedule, and reducing high-fat, high-cholesterol diets can help prevent gallstone attacks. If gallstones are diagnosed but there are no symptoms, regular follow-up visits can be made under the doctor's advice; those with severe symptoms require active treatment, including oral litholytic drugs or surgical treatment, such as laparoscopic cholecystectomy, which can significantly improve symptoms. Those with recurrent right upper abdominal pain, fever, or yellowing of the skin should seek medical attention immediately to prevent the occurrence of serious complications and significantly improve the timeliness of treatment.