What are the symptoms of gallstones in women and how to treat them

The symptoms of gallstones in women mainly include right upper abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, indigestion and weight loss. In severe cases, it may cause jaundice and fever. Treatment methods should be selected according to the severity of the symptoms, such as medication, surgery or dietary management.

Gallstones often present as severe colic in the right upper abdomen after meals, especially after eating greasy food. The pain usually radiates to the right shoulder and back. Some patients may experience nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite, which is due to digestive disorders caused by bile stasis due to obstruction of gallbladder contraction. When stones block the common bile duct, jaundice can occur, manifested as yellowing of the whites of the eyes and skin. If the infection worsens, it may also cause fever and chills, and some patients may even experience severe reactions such as hypotension and shock. Mild symptoms may be ignored, and therefore diagnosis and treatment are often delayed.

In terms of treatment, mild or asymptomatic gallstones can be treated with drugs to improve bile composition and reduce stones. For example, ursodeoxycholic acid can promote the gradual dissolution of small stones. If the symptoms are obvious or there are complications, surgical intervention is required. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is currently the mainstream choice, with less trauma and faster recovery. For patients with severe infection or bile duct obstruction, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) may be required before surgery to clear stones. Dietary intervention should not be ignored. Try to reduce high-fat and high-cholesterol foods, and consume more foods rich in dietary fiber such as whole grains and vegetables to help improve bile duct health.

If you have persistent right upper abdominal pain or are accompanied by fever, jaundice and other symptoms, you should go to the hospital in time. Paying attention to diet adjustment and weight management in daily life, avoiding long periods of sitting and high-fat diets, and monitoring the health of the gallbladder through regular physical examinations are the keys to preventing gallstones. A healthy lifestyle can not only relieve symptoms, but also prevent recurrence of the disease and provide long-term protection for the body.