Symptoms of Gallstones

Symptoms of gallstones may vary from person to person, but common symptoms include pain in the right upper abdomen, nausea and vomiting, and indigestion. When these symptoms occur, you should seek medical attention immediately to avoid worsening of the condition or complications. The main causes of gallstones include genetic factors, dietary habits, high cholesterol intake, and obesity. Certain physiological characteristics such as abnormal bile secretion or poor gallbladder contraction function can also increase the risk of gallstones.

Among the symptoms of gallstones, the most typical is pain in the upper right abdomen, which may be aggravated after eating greasy food and often radiates to the back or right shoulder. Patients may find the pain unbearable, lasting from a few minutes to several hours. Nausea and vomiting are also common symptoms, especially when pain occurs. Indigestion such as bloating, belching and flatulence are also common complaints of patients with gallstones. In some cases, fever or jaundice may occur, which usually indicates that gallstones have caused bile duct obstruction or infection and must be treated by a doctor immediately.

The first step in treating gallstones is to determine the severity of the symptoms. If symptoms recur or are accompanied by fever or jaundice, emergency medical attention should be sought. Treatment depends on the specific situation. Drug treatment, such as the use of ursodeoxycholic acid, can help dissolve small stones, but the effect is slow. Surgery is one of the more common and effective treatments. Common surgeries include laparoscopic cholecystectomy, endoscopic retrograde pancreaticocholangiopancreatography (ERCP), and open surgery. Non-surgical treatment can also be assisted by improving diet and lifestyle habits. It is recommended to reduce the intake of high-fat, high-cholesterol foods and increase the consumption of fruits, vegetables and fiber. Regular exercise can also help promote the normal flow of bile and reduce the chance of stone formation. For patients with mild symptoms, symptoms can be temporarily relieved by adjusting diet and close observation, but regular physical examinations should be paid attention to ensure that there are no signs of worsening of the condition. Regardless of the treatment chosen, care and support are equally important. Providing psychological support to patients and maintaining good communication with doctors can improve the effectiveness of treatment.

We hope that every patient can receive proper care and treatment and have a healthy quality of life. When facing discomfort and anxiety, seeking professional medical help is a necessary step. Through reasonable treatment and conditioning, patients can effectively relieve symptoms, reduce the risk of complications, and live a healthy and fulfilling life.