What harm does gallstones cause?

Gallstones may cause a series of health problems, such as biliary colic, cholecystitis and cholangitis, and in severe cases may even cause pancreatitis or gallbladder cancer. Gallstones are crystal deposits caused by abnormal bile composition in the gallbladder, which block the bile duct or irritate the gallbladder wall and cause discomfort. The most common symptoms include severe pain in the right upper abdomen, often accompanied by jaundice, nausea, vomiting and other symptoms. When stones block the neck of the gallbladder or the bile duct, it can cause acute cholecystitis, with persistent abdominal pain, fever and leukocytosis. If the stones enter the common bile duct, it may cause cholangitis, manifested as Charcot's triad: abdominal pain, fever, and jaundice. If gallstones are not treated for a long time, they may also develop into chronic inflammation, increasing the risk of gallbladder cancer.

In terms of treating gallstones, mild symptoms can be relieved by improving eating habits, increasing fiber intake, etc. For example, reduce the intake of foods high in fat and cholesterol, and increase the intake of fruits and vegetables appropriately. Drug treatment may be required, such as oral deoxycholic acid to dissolve cholesterol stones, but its effectiveness varies from person to person. For patients with severe or recurrent symptoms, surgical intervention may be required. Minimally invasive laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the most common surgical method, which is less invasive and has a quick recovery. ERCP (endoscopic retrograde pancreaticocholangiopancreatography) is also a commonly used method for removing common bile duct stones. Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy is suitable for patients who are not suitable for surgery.

In terms of treating gallstones, mild symptoms can be relieved by improving eating habits, increasing fiber intake, etc. For example, reduce the intake of foods high in fat and cholesterol, and increase the intake of fruits and vegetables appropriately. Drug treatment may be required, such as oral deoxycholic acid to dissolve cholesterol stones, but its effectiveness varies from person to person. For patients with severe or recurrent symptoms, surgical intervention may be required. Minimally invasive laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the most common surgical method, which is less invasive and has a quick recovery. ERCP (endoscopic retrograde pancreaticocholangiopancreatography) is also a commonly used method for removing common bile duct stones. Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy is suitable for patients who are not suitable for surgery.

Daily recommendations include paying attention to fat intake, maintaining a healthy weight, and exercising regularly to promote bile flow and prevent gallstone formation. If gallstones have been diagnosed, it is recommended that you undergo regular B-ultrasound examinations under the guidance of a doctor to monitor changes in the gallstones, and seek professional treatment as soon as possible to reduce the risk of complications. Timely medical treatment can not only avoid pain, but also prevent serious complications and improve the quality of life.