What are the specific symptoms of gallstones?

Symptoms of gallstones vary from person to person, but usually include severe pain in the upper or right upper abdomen, especially after a high-fat meal, and may also include jaundice, fever, nausea and vomiting. For patients with severe symptoms, it is recommended to seek medical attention immediately to avoid complications.

Gallstones are caused by excess cholesterol or bilirubin in the bile, which causes a hard mass to form in the gallbladder. Pain is usually caused by stones blocking the bile ducts and is called biliary colic. This pain may radiate to the right shoulder or back and may be accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Jaundice and fever may indicate a bile duct infection or a more serious problem, such as cholangitis. Some people may have subtle or no symptoms because the stones are not causing bile duct obstruction. After confirming the diagnosis of gallstones, the doctor may do measures such as abdominal ultrasound or CT scan to evaluate the location and size of the stones.

Gallstones are caused by excess cholesterol or bilirubin in the bile, which causes a hard mass to form in the gallbladder. Pain is usually caused by stones blocking the bile ducts and is called biliary colic. This pain may radiate to the right shoulder or back and may be accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Jaundice and fever may indicate a bile duct infection or a more serious problem, such as cholangitis. Some people may have subtle or no symptoms because the stones are not causing bile duct obstruction. After confirming the diagnosis of gallstones, the doctor may do measures such as abdominal ultrasound or CT scan to evaluate the location and size of the stones.

Treatment depends on the severity of symptoms and the condition of the body. Asymptomatic gallstones usually do not require treatment, but if symptoms occur, medications such as indomethacin or ibuprofen can be used for initial relief. For recurrent episodes, surgery may be an inevitable solution. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the most common approach because of its rapid recovery and few complications. Nonsurgical treatments include oral litholytic drugs such as ursodeoxycholic acid, which help small cholesterol stones gradually dissolve. Dietary modification also plays an important role, and reducing the intake of high-fat foods may help curb symptoms and prevent recurrences.