What are the common symptoms of gallstones?

Common symptoms of gallstones include dull pain or colic in the right upper abdomen, nausea and vomiting, indigestion, jaundice, etc. Some patients have no obvious symptoms, but when the stones cause bile duct obstruction or inflammation, the symptoms will be more prominent. Early detection and timely treatment can effectively avoid complications.

1. Dull pain or cramping in the right upper abdomen

This is the most typical symptom of gallstones, often manifested as sudden or intermittent pain in the right upper abdomen, which may radiate to the shoulder blade or back. The pain usually occurs after eating greasy food and may last from a few minutes to a few hours.

Recommendation: If you experience this type of pain, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible and have an abdominal ultrasound or CT scan to determine whether it is gallstones. If confirmed, you can choose antispasmodic and analgesic drugs (such as ibuprofen, pethidine) or surgical treatment (such as cholecystectomy) according to the severity of the pain.

2. Nausea and vomiting

Patients with gallstones may have bile obstruction that prevents bile from flowing into the intestines normally, which in turn causes digestive symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. This condition is often accompanied by abdominal pain, and the vomit may contain bile.

Recommendation: Eat a light diet, avoid greasy and irritating foods, and seek medical attention promptly. If vomiting is severe and accompanied by dehydration, antiemetic drugs (such as domperidone) can be used under the guidance of a doctor, and fluid rehydration therapy can be performed.

3. Indigestion

Some patients with gallstones may experience indigestion symptoms such as abdominal distension, belching, and abdominal discomfort after meals. This is because gallstones affect the secretion and excretion of bile, resulting in incomplete digestion and absorption of fat.

Recommendation: Avoid excessive intake of fat in your diet. A high-fiber, low-fat diet is recommended, such as oats, green leafy vegetables, and lean meat. You can also take drugs that help digest fat (such as pancreatic enzyme tablets) under the guidance of a doctor.

4. Jaundice

When gallstones block the common bile duct, preventing bile from flowing out, the patient may develop yellowing of the skin and sclera. This symptom often indicates that the gallstones have caused bile duct obstruction or cholangitis, a condition that requires emergency treatment.

Recommendation: If you develop jaundice, you should go to the hospital immediately to check your bile duct function. Your doctor may recommend surgical treatment (such as endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, ERCP) to remove bile duct stones.

5. No symptoms or latent symptoms

Some patients with gallstones have no obvious symptoms and are often discovered accidentally through B-ultrasound during physical examinations. Most of these patients have small stones in the gallbladder that have not yet caused obstruction or inflammation.

Recommendation: For patients with asymptomatic gallstones, regular follow-up observation is recommended. If the stones are small and without complications, the condition can be controlled by improving lifestyle, such as controlling weight and avoiding overeating.

Prevention and management recommendations

The occurrence of gallstones is closely related to lifestyle and eating habits. To prevent gallstones or reduce the onset of symptoms, you should do the following:

1. Adjust your diet: Avoid high-fat, high-cholesterol foods, and consume more foods rich in dietary fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

2. Moderate exercise: Regular aerobic exercise can promote bile flow and reduce the risk of gallstone formation.

3. Regular physical examinations: Especially those with family history or risk factors such as obesity should undergo regular abdominal ultrasound examinations for early detection and treatment.

If you or a family member has symptoms similar to those of gallstones, do not ignore them and seek professional medical advice in a timely manner. Healthy lifestyle habits can not only help relieve symptoms, but also prevent recurrence of the disease. With active treatment and scientific management, most people with gallstones can return to normal life.