Gallstones symptoms and diagnosis

Gallstones often present with pain in the upper or right upper abdomen, sometimes with nausea, vomiting, and bloating, but may also be completely asymptomatic, depending on the individual. When these symptoms are discovered, timely understanding of the condition is key to avoiding serious consequences.

Gallstones are a type of stone disease that forms due to the deposition of cholesterol, bile salts, or calcium salts in bile. The size and number of gallstones vary greatly, from small ones like grains of sand to large ones like ping-pong balls. Most of the time, gallstones are located in the gallbladder, but they can also enter the bile ducts and cause more serious problems, such as bile duct blockage or infection.

When gallstones block the gallbladder or bile ducts, typical symptoms include severe cramping pain in the right upper abdomen, sometimes radiating to the right shoulder and back. Some people also experience fever, chills, and jaundice, suggesting that cholecystitis or cholangitis may be present. If the stones do not cause blockage, there may be no symptoms at all, which is called "asymptomatic gallstones." But even asymptomatic gallstones can cause potential problems, so they still need to be paid attention to.

The key to preventing gallstones is to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle, such as eating more fiber-rich foods, avoiding high-fat, high-sugar foods, and controlling your weight. If symptoms have already occurred, it is recommended to seek professional diagnosis from a doctor as soon as possible, usually through ultrasound, blood tests or CT scans. If symptoms occur frequently or the risk of complications is high, the doctor may recommend surgery or medication to solve the problem.