Is gallstones a common disease?

Gallstones are a common disease, especially among the elderly. Its occurrence is related to many factors, including genetics, living environment and lifestyle habits. Gallstones are mainly formed by the deposition of cholesterol, bile pigments and calcium salts in the gallbladder, which may cause abdominal pain, nausea and other discomfort symptoms, and even cause cholecystitis in severe cases.

Genetic factors play an important role in the formation of gallstones. If someone in the family has had gallstones, other family members are also at a higher risk. At the same time, living environment and bad eating habits, such as high-fat diet and lack of exercise, will increase the incidence of cholelithiasis. Physiologically, women and obese people are more susceptible to gallstones. Trauma or chronic diseases such as diabetes will increase the incidence rate. In terms of symptoms, many patients do not show obvious discomfort, but once the stones block the bile duct, it may cause acute symptoms and require medical intervention.

Genetic factors play an important role in the formation of gallstones. If someone in the family has had gallstones, other family members are also at a higher risk. At the same time, living environment and bad eating habits, such as high-fat diet and lack of exercise, will increase the incidence of cholelithiasis. Physiologically, women and obese people are more susceptible to gallstones. Trauma or chronic diseases such as diabetes will increase the incidence rate. In terms of symptoms, many patients do not show obvious discomfort, but once the stones block the bile duct, it may cause acute symptoms and require medical intervention.

So, what should you do about gallstones? When you feel abdominal discomfort or similar symptoms, you should seek medical attention in time and undergo B-ultrasound or CT examination. If diagnosed, different treatments can be used depending on the severity of the symptoms. For mild patients, drugs can be used to dissolve gallstones, such as ursodeoxycholic acid. Dietary adjustment is also a focus of prevention and treatment, including a low-fat diet, increased fiber intake, etc. For more serious cases, surgery or minimally invasive treatments such as laparoscopic cholecystectomy can effectively solve the problem. In addition, maintaining moderate exercise and a healthy weight can help reduce the risk of gallstone recurrence. Paying attention to body signals and regular physical examinations can help detect problems early, take effective measures, and maintain a healthy life.