How to treat and regulate gallstones in the elderly

The treatment of gallstones in the elderly requires the selection of drug dissolution, extracorporeal lithotripsy or surgical treatment according to the size, location and severity of the symptoms of the stones, while daily conditioning can reduce the chance of recurrence by adjusting the diet structure, controlling weight and exercising moderately. Timely medical treatment is the key to ensuring health, especially when obvious abdominal pain, jaundice and other symptoms occur.

For patients with mild symptoms, drug lithotripsy is a conservative treatment option. For example, oral ursodeoxycholic acid can gradually dissolve cholesterol stones, but the treatment cycle is long and is not suitable for all types of stones. For stones with a small diameter and no severe inflammation, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy can be considered to help crush the stones and excrete them naturally. When the stones are large, the disease recurs, or there is cholecystitis or biliary infection, surgical intervention is required, including minimally invasive laparoscopic cholecystectomy or open surgery. The specific choice needs to be based on a comprehensive assessment of the patient's health status.

In terms of daily conditioning, a proper diet is an important measure to avoid the recurrence of gallstones. It is recommended to consume more fiber-rich foods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, and whole grains, and reduce the intake of high-fat, high-cholesterol foods, such as fried foods, animal offal, and cream desserts. Maintaining a healthy weight is also important, but rapid weight loss should be avoided, as this may accelerate the secretion of cholesterol and increase the risk of gallstones. Moderate exercise such as brisk walking and yoga can not only improve gastrointestinal motility, but also help control weight and contribute to the normal flow of bile.

As a high-risk group, the elderly need to pay special attention to the early signs of gallstones, such as dull pain in the right upper abdomen after meals, flatulence or indigestion. If gallstones are diagnosed but there are no obvious symptoms, a health follow-up plan can be made with the doctor. However, for daily life, maintaining a scientific lifestyle and not ignoring the body's early warning signals is the long-term solution. Even if you have been cured, active self-management can still help better maintain your health.