What are the symptoms of gallstones?

Symptoms of gallstones vary depending on individual differences and stone size. Some patients may be asymptomatic, while others may experience severe abdominal pain, especially in the right upper abdomen or between the shoulder blades, and may also be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, fever, and jaundice. Prompt medical diagnosis is essential to clarify the condition.

Gallstones are often discovered incidentally during a physical exam and do not cause symptoms. However, when stones block the bile duct, they can cause biliary colic, which is characterized by constant or intermittent severe pain. The pain is usually most noticeable a few hours after eating, especially after consuming high-fat foods. If acute cholecystitis occurs, it may also be accompanied by fever, chills, and symptoms of fat malabsorption. Patients sometimes also develop jaundice, indicating that bile flow is blocked. Asymptomatic gallstones generally do not require treatment, but regular observation is needed to monitor the development of stones. Prompt medical intervention after symptoms appear is key to preventing worsening complications.

Gallstones are often discovered incidentally during a physical exam and do not cause symptoms. However, when stones block the bile duct, they can cause biliary colic, which is characterized by constant or intermittent severe pain. The pain is usually most noticeable a few hours after eating, especially after consuming high-fat foods. If acute cholecystitis occurs, it may also be accompanied by fever, chills, and symptoms of fat malabsorption. Patients sometimes also develop jaundice, indicating that bile flow is blocked. Asymptomatic gallstones generally do not require treatment, but regular observation is needed to monitor the development of stones. Prompt medical intervention after symptoms appear is key to preventing worsening complications.

Regarding the treatment of gallstones, non-surgical treatment includes medical lithotripsy, such as ursodeoxycholic acid, for the dissolution of small cholesterol stones. Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy can also be used to break up the stones in a non-invasive way before surgery. Surgical treatment includes laparoscopic cholecystectomy, which is considered the gold standard for the treatment of gallstones and has become the first choice due to its minimally invasive and rapid recovery advantages. Dietary modification is also an important part of patient management. It is recommended to reduce the intake of high-cholesterol, high-fat foods while increasing the intake of dietary fiber, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains, to help reduce the risk of cholestasis and stone formation. To prevent recurrence, maintaining a healthy weight and adequate physical activity are important strategies for maintaining gallbladder health. Through careful treatment planning and lifestyle adjustments, patients can effectively reduce the discomfort and potential health risks caused by gallstones. Treating the condition with a caring attitude and actively communicating with medical professionals will help you make more informed health decisions and improve the quality of life.