What are the specific symptoms of gallstones?

Gallstones are a common condition, and when you suspect you may have them, your first priority is to see a doctor as soon as possible to get an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment options. Here, we briefly outline the typical symptoms of gallstones and their possible effects to help you better recognize such symptoms and seek prompt medical help.

1. Severe pain in the upper abdomen: When gallstones attack, the most common symptom is severe pain in the upper abdomen, usually in the right upper abdomen, and may spread to the right shoulder or back. This pain is usually aggravated after eating high-fat foods and may last from a few minutes to several hours. This pain may be caused by the contraction of the gallbladder pushing the stones into the bile duct, and usually requires short-term relief with painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.

2. Nausea and vomiting: Discomfort associated with gallstones is often accompanied by nausea and vomiting, especially when biliary colic occurs. This symptom is mainly due to the dysfunction of the digestive system due to gallbladder inflammation or bile duct obstruction by stones. Doctors may recommend the use of anti-emetic drugs such as droperidol or domperidone for treatment, and recommend that patients eat a light diet and avoid greasy and irritating foods.

3. Jaundice: If gallstones get stuck in the common bile duct, bile may not flow into the small intestine properly, causing yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes, i.e. jaundice. This is due to the accumulation of bilirubin in the body. If this happens, you need to see a doctor immediately. Surgery such as endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) may be needed to remove the stones.

In addition to the above symptoms, gallstones may also cause loss of appetite, fever, and chills. In order to provide effective treatment, if the above symptoms persist, you should consult a specialist as soon as possible and choose the appropriate treatment method according to the specific situation. Common treatments for gallstones include:

1. Drug litholysis: Suitable for patients who cannot undergo surgery and whose stones are small. Drugs such as ursodeoxycholic acid can help dissolve stones to a certain extent.

1. Surgery: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is an effective option for most patients. It can prevent recurrence and significantly alleviate symptoms.

2. Non-surgical alternative treatments: Ultrasonic lithotripsy is a technology that uses shock waves to crush stones, but the process is complicated and expensive, and is usually an option for patients who cannot undergo surgery.

When it comes to gallstones, it is important to seek medical advice and get a proper diagnosis. Patients can start by improving their eating habits, avoiding high-fat, high-cholesterol foods, and increasing their fiber intake to help prevent the formation of gallstones. Maintaining regular exercise habits and a healthy weight can also help reduce the risk of the disease. Gallstones can be effectively controlled and treated through scientific management and treatment. While paying attention to the body's warning signs, do not ignore the guidance and treatment of a professional doctor.