What are the symptoms of gallstones in the elderly?

Typical symptoms of gallstones in the elderly include intermittent or persistent pain in the right upper abdomen, and may also include nausea, vomiting, and indigestion. When gallstones cause inflammation, they may also be accompanied by serious symptoms such as fever and yellow skin (jaundice). The severity of the symptoms varies depending on the size, location and complications of the stones. In severe cases, medical attention should be sought immediately.

The symptoms of gallstones are affected by many factors. Smaller stones may be asymptomatic for a long time, but larger stones can easily cause cholecystitis or bile duct obstruction. Pain in the right upper abdomen is the most common manifestation, characterized by sudden and severe colic, often radiating to the right shoulder and back, especially after a greasy meal. Patients may feel digestive discomfort such as bloating and acid reflux. If stones block the bile duct, it may cause jaundice, yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes, and darker urine. In severe cases, high fever and chills may occur along with gallbladder infection. For the elderly, symptoms may be atypical. For example, simple bloating or fatigue requires vigilance because it may be confused with other geriatric diseases.

The symptoms of gallstones are affected by many factors. Smaller stones may be asymptomatic for a long time, but larger stones can easily cause cholecystitis or bile duct obstruction. Pain in the right upper abdomen is the most common manifestation, characterized by sudden and severe colic, often radiating to the right shoulder and back, especially after a greasy meal. Patients may feel digestive discomfort such as bloating and acid reflux. If stones block the bile duct, it may cause jaundice, yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes, and darker urine. In severe cases, high fever and chills may occur along with gallbladder infection. For the elderly, symptoms may be atypical. For example, simple bloating or fatigue requires vigilance because it may be confused with other geriatric diseases.

In daily life, to prevent and relieve the symptoms of gallstones, you need to pay attention to a light diet, mainly a high-fiber, low-fat diet, and reduce cholesterol intake, such as avoiding fried foods and animal offal. Appropriately increase the amount of exercise, maintain a healthy weight, and avoid extreme situations of obesity and rapid weight loss. High-risk elderly people can undergo regular abdominal ultrasound examinations. If the symptoms are severe, you need to seek medical attention in time and be evaluated and treated by a professional doctor. Common treatments include non-surgical drug lithotripsy (e.g. ursodeoxycholic acid), extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, and surgical treatments such as laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Specific treatments should be determined according to the individual patient's situation. Paying attention to symptoms and actively intervening can minimize the health damage of gallstones and provide protection for the quality of life of the elderly.