How are gallstones formed and how should they be treated?

The formation of gallstones is mainly due to an imbalance in bile composition, which can be affected by genetics, eating habits, body weight, and gallbladder motility. Common causes of gallstones include excess cholesterol, bile concentration, and poor gallbladder motility. Genetic factors may lead to abnormal cholesterol metabolism, causing cholesterol to precipitate quickly to form stones. An unbalanced diet, such as a high-fat, high-cholesterol diet, may further aggravate this tendency. Environmental factors such as an unhealthy lifestyle and obesity are also important factors in the formation of stones. Physiological factors such as liver disease and pregnancy may also affect the composition of bile and increase the risk of gallstones. Diseases such as diabetes and Crohn's disease can change gastrointestinal function, increase bile stasis, and lead to stone formation. If you suffer local trauma or surgery, it may affect the normal function of the gallbladder and promote the formation of gallstones.

Treatment for gallstones depends on whether the stones cause symptoms or complications. Asymptomatic gallstones usually do not require treatment, but regular monitoring is required. For symptomatic gallstones, medication, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), and surgery are the main options. Medication usually uses diasifenidine to dissolve cholesterol stones, but it takes a long time and is prone to recurrence. Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy uses shock waves to break up stones and is suitable for uncomplicated and small stones. Surgery often uses laparoscopic cholecystectomy, which is the most common and effective treatment method and can cure and prevent stones from recurring. Maintaining a healthy diet, properly controlling cholesterol intake, and maintaining a normal weight can help reduce the risk of gallstone formation. It is recommended to increase dietary fiber intake, such as eating more vegetables and whole grains, avoid excessive alcohol, and regularly perform gentle exercise to promote a good gallbladder function.

Treatment for gallstones depends on whether the stones cause symptoms or complications. Asymptomatic gallstones usually do not require treatment, but regular monitoring is required. For symptomatic gallstones, medication, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), and surgery are the main options. Medication usually uses diasifenidine to dissolve cholesterol stones, but it takes a long time and is prone to recurrence. Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy uses shock waves to break up stones and is suitable for uncomplicated and small stones. Surgery often uses laparoscopic cholecystectomy, which is the most common and effective treatment method and can cure and prevent stones from recurring. Maintaining a healthy diet, properly controlling cholesterol intake, and maintaining a normal weight can help reduce the risk of gallstone formation. It is recommended to increase dietary fiber intake, such as eating more vegetables and whole grains, avoid excessive alcohol, and regularly perform gentle exercise to promote a good gallbladder function.

A good lifestyle is particularly important for preventing and improving the symptoms of gallstones. Regular health checks should be conducted to detect and treat potential gallbladder abnormalities in a timely manner. If severe discomfort symptoms such as acute abdominal pain and jaundice occur, medical attention should be sought immediately. Improve the quality of life and health awareness through a scientific and reasonable diet, moderate exercise, and good living habits. Once gallstones are found, treatment should be carried out under the guidance of a professional doctor to avoid complications. For example, regular ultrasound examinations are performed to monitor the development of stones, and the treatment plan is adjusted according to the progression of the disease. Maintaining mental health is equally important, and proper stress relief is beneficial to the overall health of the body. As a result, patients will not only recover well physically, but also gain positive improvements on the psychological level. A healthy attitude and action towards life are the long-term way to maintain gallbladder health.