How to diagnose and differentiate gallstones and kidney stones

The diagnosis of gallstones and kidney stones can be differentiated through symptoms, imaging examinations and laboratory tests. The location of symptoms and pain characteristics of the two are significantly different, and combined examinations can clearly distinguish them.

Gallstones usually present as colic in the right upper abdomen, sometimes radiating to the right shoulder or back, and are often related to eating high-fat foods; kidney stones present as severe pain in the waist or lower abdomen, which can radiate to the groin and may be accompanied by hematuria and frequent urination. Medical imaging is the key to diagnosis. Gallstones can be found by abdominal ultrasound as a light mass with sound shadows in the gallbladder, and CT can also show it; kidney stones are often located and assessed in size using CT, X-rays, or urinary ultrasound. Laboratory tests can help differentiate. Kidney stones are often accompanied by red blood cells and crystals in urine tests. When gallstones appear, they may cause an increase in liver function indicators such as bilirubin. Clarifying the clinical history and symptoms is the first step, and identification can be achieved through a series of tests.

Gallstones usually present as colic in the right upper abdomen, sometimes radiating to the right shoulder or back, and are often related to eating high-fat foods; kidney stones present as severe pain in the waist or lower abdomen, which can radiate to the groin and may be accompanied by hematuria and frequent urination. Medical imaging is the key to diagnosis. Gallstones can be found by abdominal ultrasound as a light mass with sound shadows in the gallbladder, and CT can also show it; kidney stones are often located and assessed in size using CT, X-rays, or urinary ultrasound. Laboratory tests can help differentiate. Kidney stones are often accompanied by red blood cells and crystals in urine tests. When gallstones appear, they may cause an increase in liver function indicators such as bilirubin. Clarifying the clinical history and symptoms is the first step, and identification can be achieved through a series of tests.

In order to correctly diagnose and differentiate between gallstones and kidney stones, you should seek medical attention promptly and not make your own judgments. If you have unexplained abdominal or lower back pain, you should go to a regular medical institution for a detailed examination as soon as possible, especially if you have a fever, vomiting or other accompanying symptoms. You need to follow the doctor's advice for further treatment and avoid delaying treatment. Combined with etiology prevention, the control factors for the two are slightly different: the risk of gallstones can be reduced by controlling dietary fat intake, while kidney stones require drinking more water and limiting the intake of oxalate and purine substances. Regular physical examinations can also help to detect and prevent related diseases early.