What are the symptoms of gallstones in children?

Common symptoms of gallstones in children include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and anorexia. Some children may also experience jaundice and fever. The severity of symptoms varies depending on the size and location of the gallstones, and a comprehensive assessment is needed to determine whether to seek medical attention in a timely manner.

Abdominal pain is usually the most typical manifestation of gallstones, which often occurs in the right upper abdomen or upper abdomen, and is sometimes paroxysmal. The pain may be aggravated, especially after eating greasy food. Along with abdominal pain, children may experience nausea and vomiting, which is usually related to bile duct obstruction caused by stones, resulting in the inability of bile to flow normally. Some children also show anorexia, fatigue, weakness and indigestion. If stones cause inflammation of the bile duct, it may be accompanied by fever symptoms, and yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice), which indicates that the bile duct function is significantly impaired. If severe gallstones are not treated in time, they may further develop into complications such as cholecystitis and pancreatitis.

Abdominal pain is usually the most typical manifestation of gallstones, which often occurs in the right upper abdomen or upper abdomen, and is sometimes paroxysmal. The pain may be aggravated, especially after eating greasy food. Along with abdominal pain, children may experience nausea and vomiting, which is usually related to bile duct obstruction caused by stones, resulting in the inability of bile to flow normally. Some children also show anorexia, fatigue, weakness and indigestion. If stones cause inflammation of the bile duct, it may be accompanied by fever symptoms, and yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice), which indicates that the bile duct function is significantly impaired. If severe gallstones are not treated in time, they may further develop into complications such as cholecystitis and pancreatitis.

If parents find that their children have frequent abdominal pain, jaundice, fever and other symptoms, they should take their children to see a doctor immediately, especially in cases of severe pain and repeated vomiting. In daily life, avoid giving children too much high-fat food, and ensure adequate drinking water and a balanced diet to reduce the risk of gallstone formation. After the doctor's diagnosis, if the stones are small and the symptoms are mild, they can be treated with drug lithotripsy or controlled diet; larger stones may require minimally invasive surgery such as laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Regular review and early intervention can help improve your child's health.