What are the symptoms of gallstones?

Symptoms of gallstones may include upper abdominal pain, indigestion, and jaundice, depending on the size and location of the gallstones. If you experience severe abdominal pain or persistent indigestion, you should seek medical attention to avoid complications.

1. Upper abdominal pain

Gallstones often cause severe pain in the upper abdomen, especially after eating high-fat foods. This pain is usually caused by the gallstones blocking the gallbladder duct, causing inflammation. The pain may come and go and radiate to the right shoulder. Severe cases may be accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Ways to relieve pain include: avoiding high-fat foods, using painkillers such as ibuprofen or aspirin, and using antispasmodics under the guidance of a doctor to reduce gallbladder spasms.

2. Indigestion

Gallstones can also cause digestive symptoms such as bloating, heartburn, and belching. The stones interfere with the normal flow of bile, which affects the digestion and absorption of fats. Adjust your diet by eating smaller meals, avoiding greasy foods, increasing fiber intake, and staying hydrated. You can try over-the-counter medications that contain digestive enzymes to help improve digestion.

3. Jaundice

In advanced cases, gallstones may completely block the bile ducts, causing cholestasis and eventually jaundice in the skin and whites of the eyes. See your doctor right away if you have jaundice, as it may indicate a complete blockage of the bile ducts and require further testing and treatment. Common treatments include endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) to remove the stones, or surgery to remove the gallbladder to prevent recurrence.

Considering the possible severity of gallstones and their complications, early identification and medical diagnosis are key. Regular health checkups and maintaining a good diet and lifestyle can effectively reduce the risk of gallstones. If you have been diagnosed with gallstones, it is important to make adjustments in both lifestyle and diet under the guidance of a professional doctor and follow the doctor's treatment plan to reduce symptoms and prevent the disease from developing. When dealing with liver and gallbladder problems, it is also very important to maintain a positive attitude towards life and mental health, as a good mental state helps maintain overall health.