What are the symptoms of gallstones in the elderly?

When elderly people suffer from gallstones, common symptoms include persistent pain in the right upper abdomen, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, indigestion, and some severe patients may experience jaundice, fever, and even infectious complications. Once symptoms appear, they should be taken seriously and seek medical attention in a timely manner for a clear diagnosis and treatment.

The symptoms of gallstones vary depending on the size, number and location of the stones. Usually, the pain in the right upper abdomen caused by gallstones is paroxysmal or persistent, often aggravated by eating greasy food, and the pain may radiate to the right shoulder blade or back. If the stones block the common bile duct, it may also be accompanied by jaundice, yellowing of the sclera of the eyes and darkening of the urine. Some elderly people have relatively atypical symptoms due to decreased nerve sensitivity, with only abdominal distension, discomfort or dull pain. If inflammation is complicated by infection, systemic symptoms such as fever and chills may further appear.

In order to prevent the aggravation of gallstones, it is advisable to eat a light diet, avoid high-fat and high-cholesterol foods, and consume more fiber-rich fruits and vegetables. Regular diet helps balance bile secretion and reduce the risk of gallstone formation. For confirmed patients, small stones and asymptomatic patients can be gradually relieved by oral litholytic drugs (such as ursodeoxycholic acid). Patients with medium and large stones or complications need to consider minimally invasive laparoscopic cholecystectomy, and pay attention to maintaining good living habits after surgery. Healthy living can effectively prevent the recurrence of gallstones and help the elderly have a higher quality of life by regulating diet, exercise and other aspects.