What are the symptoms of gallstones in men?

Common symptoms of gallstones in men include pain in the right upper abdomen, indigestion, and jaundice. Understanding these symptoms can help with early identification and medical attention. Gallstone problems often occur when cholesterol, bile pigments, or calcium salts in the bile accumulate in the gallbladder to form stones. These symptoms may be aggravated by stones moving or blocking the gallbladder duct. When these symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek medical advice and treatment in a timely manner.

1. Pain in the right upper abdomen: This is a common early warning sign, usually manifested as paroxysmal dull or sharp pain, which may extend to the back or shoulder blade area. Men feel it especially after eating. The pain is usually caused by the movement of gallstones or impaction in the bile duct, which can cause gallbladder contraction and bile duct obstruction. For this type of pain, it can be relieved by adjusting the diet structure, such as less oil and fat, avoiding overeating, and taking drugs such as cholecystokinins under the guidance of a doctor. In addition, abdominal ultrasound is a common method for diagnosing gallstones.

2. Indigestion: Symptoms such as indigestion, nausea, vomiting or bloating are usually caused by poor bile excretion, which leads to incomplete fat digestion. Many male patients tend to feel uncomfortable after eating greasy food. Adjusting diet and reducing fat intake are important coping measures. At the same time, you can try gentle exercise, such as walking, to improve digestion function.

3. Jaundice: This is a serious sign and may indicate that gallstones have blocked the bile duct. In this case, the patient's skin and whites of the eyes will appear noticeably yellow, accompanied by a darker urine color. Urgent medical attention is required at this time, as this may indicate compression or infection of the bile duct, and further imaging tests such as MRCP (magnetic resonance pancreatocholangiopancreatography) are needed to confirm the diagnosis. Surgery, such as cholecystectomy or endoscopic retrograde pancreatocholangiopancreatography (ERCP), may be required to relieve the obstruction.

If a man suspects he has symptoms of gallstones, it is important to get checked out in time. Early diagnosis and intervention can help avoid more serious health problems, such as cholecystitis or pancreatitis. The risk of gallstones can be effectively reduced through weight management, a low-fat, healthy diet, and regular physical examinations. When gallstone symptoms worsen or there is an infection, timely surgical treatment under the guidance of a professional doctor is the most effective method.

Gallstones are common in men, so it is important to understand their symptoms and coping strategies. Even when symptoms are mild, you should take them seriously, change your lifestyle in a timely manner, and follow your doctor's advice to avoid serious complications. Always prioritize your health and manage your physical condition through healthy lifestyle habits and active medical monitoring. I hope that every man facing health challenges can find a solution that suits him and embrace a healthier future.