What are the dangers of frequent gallstone attacks?

What are the dangers of frequent gallstone attacks?

Frequent gallstone attacks may lead to serious diseases such as cholecystitis, pancreatitis and even bile duct cancer, which may be life-threatening if not treated in time. Recurrent gallstone attacks not only affect digestive function, but may also cause persistent pain and damage to other organs in the body. To avoid these hazards, intervention measures should be taken as soon as possible, including medication, diet adjustment and surgical treatment when necessary.

1. Cholecystitis: Inflammation worsens and even suppuration

When gallstones recur, the gallbladder may be blocked, preventing bile from being discharged normally, leading to worsening inflammation of the gallbladder wall. Common symptoms include severe pain in the right upper abdomen, nausea, vomiting, and fever. If not treated, it may develop into suppurative cholecystitis or gallbladder perforation, leading to peritonitis.

Solution:

Drug treatment: Use antibiotics such as cephalosporins to control inflammation.

Dietary adjustment: A low-fat diet reduces the pressure of bile secretion.

Surgical treatment: Cholecystectomy is recommended when recurrent inflammation is severe.

2. Pancreatitis: Gallstones induce acute pancreatitis

When gallstones enter the common bile duct, they can block the bile-pancreatic common passage (ampulla), causing pancreatic fluid reflux and triggering acute pancreatitis. Pancreatitis has severe symptoms, including severe abdominal pain, fever, and nausea, which can be life-threatening in severe cases.

Solution:

Acute treatment: fasting, gastrointestinal decompression and intravenous infusion to relieve the burden on the pancreas.

Radical surgery: such as endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) to remove stones, or cholecystectomy to prevent recurrence.

3. Cholangitis: Spread of infection leads to sepsis

When gallstones enter the bile duct, they may cause bile duct infection, resulting in cholangitis, abdominal pain, jaundice, and fever. In severe cases, the infection may spread throughout the body and cause sepsis.

Solution:

Anti-infection treatment: Combined use of antibiotics (such as quinolones).

Endoscopic surgery: ERCP can be used to remove stones from the bile duct and place a drainage stent.

4. Cholangiocarcinoma: Potential risk of long-term stone irritation

Long-term gallstone stimulation may induce bile duct mucosal lesions and increase the risk of bile duct cancer. The early symptoms of bile duct cancer are not obvious, and it is often in the middle and late stages when it is discovered.

Solution:

Regular check-ups: Ultrasound and tumor marker screening.

Timely resection: Removal of the gallbladder and related bile ducts can reduce the risk of cancer.

5. Digestive dysfunction: long-term impact on overall health

Chronic cholecystitis caused by gallstones may impair bile secretion and reduce the ability to digest fat, which may lead to malnutrition in the long term. Symptoms include abdominal distension, diarrhea and weight loss.

Solution:

Dietary adjustments: High-fiber diet, avoid greasy foods.

Bile replacement: Bile acid preparations can be taken to aid digestion if necessary.

Kind tips

The harm of gallstones cannot be ignored. If you experience persistent abdominal pain or other related symptoms, you should seek medical attention in time. For patients with recurrent attacks, it is recommended to comprehensively evaluate the condition and choose an appropriate treatment plan. A healthy diet and lifestyle are the basis for preventing gallstones, and early detection and early treatment are the key to avoiding serious complications. Maintaining gallbladder health is also protecting the health of the whole body.