What other diseases can gallstones cause?

Gallstones can cause a variety of complications, including acute cholecystitis, pancreatitis, and cholangitis. Knowing these risk factors and seeing a doctor early are key to preventing serious health problems.

1. Acute cholecystitis

Gallstones are the main cause of acute cholecystitis. When gallstones block the exit of the gallbladder, bile cannot flow out normally, causing the gallbladder to become inflamed. This condition may present with severe pain in the right upper abdomen, fever, and vomiting. If left untreated, the gallbladder may become infected or even die. Treatment usually includes antibiotics and surgery to remove the gallbladder. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a popular surgical procedure, especially in cases where the patient's symptoms are severe.

2. Pancreatitis

Gallstones may also cause pancreatitis, especially when the stones fall into the bile duct and block the opening of the pancreatic duct, causing pancreatic fluid to back up. Acute pancreatitis usually presents with acute abdominal pain, and sometimes high fever and shock may occur. Initial treatment is usually based on fasting, rehydration and analgesia. Severe cases may require endoscopic treatment or surgery to remove the blockage.

3. Cholangitis

This is an infection of the bile duct caused by gallstones, which is more likely to occur when the bile duct is blocked. Patients may experience symptoms such as jaundice, fever, and abdominal pain, known as Charcot's triad. Treatment includes the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics to control the infection, while ERCP (endoscopic retrograde pancreaticocholangiopancreatography) is performed to remove the stones. In addition, biliary drainage is also an effective treatment method that can quickly relieve the obstruction.

In daily life, prevention of gallstones and their complications requires attention to diet and lifestyle. On the one hand, maintaining a low cholesterol and low fat diet and consuming more high-fiber foods such as vegetables and fruits can help reduce the risk of gallstone formation. On the other hand, maintaining moderate exercise and a healthy weight are also important measures to reduce the occurrence of gallstones.

It is important to understand the various diseases caused by gallstones and their prevention and treatment measures. Early identification of symptoms and timely medical treatment can not only avoid serious health problems, but also take effective measures in life to reduce the risk of gallstones. I hope readers pay attention to their own health and take active preventive and treatment actions to maintain a good quality of life.