What diseases can gallstones cause?

Gallstones can lead to a range of health problems, so early diagnosis and management are vital. Gallstones are solid masses that form in the gallbladder or bile ducts. These stones may lead to a range of complications, including cholecystitis, cholangitis and pancreatitis.

Gallstones are hard masses formed by the accumulation of cholesterol or bilirubin in bile, usually caused by gallbladder dysfunction or improper diet and rest. The presence of gallstones itself sometimes does not show obvious symptoms, but when the stones block the bile duct, it will cause severe pain, fever, nausea and other discomfort. Long-term non-treatment may lead to more serious health problems.

The most common complication of gallstones is cholecystitis, which is an inflammation caused by stones blocking the opening of the gallbladder. It manifests as persistent pain in the right upper abdomen and may require surgical removal of the gallbladder in severe cases. When stones move to the extrahepatic bile duct and cause bile duct obstruction, it may lead to cholangitis, causing severe abdominal pain, jaundice, and even infection, and requires emergency medical treatment. If stones fall into the pancreatic duct, it may cause pancreatitis, a serious inflammation that requires hospitalization for observation and treatment.

To prevent and manage gallstones, you need to pay attention to a balanced diet, maintain a healthy weight, avoid high-fat, high-cholesterol foods, and moderate exercise can also help gallbladder health. Regular physical examinations can help detect and treat potential problems early. If you have persistent abdominal pain or other serious symptoms, you should consult a professional medical staff as soon as possible to receive appropriate examinations and treatment. Even if gallstones do not cause pain, regular health monitoring is still very important to help avoid potential risks.