What are the dangers and symptoms of gallstones

Gallstones may cause severe abdominal pain and lead to symptoms such as indigestion. In severe cases, they may induce complications such as cholecystitis and pancreatitis, posing a threat to health.

Gallstones are caused by an imbalance of cholesterol, bile salts and calcium in the bile, which causes these substances to crystallize and deposit in the gallbladder. In most cases, gallstones may not cause obvious symptoms for a long time, but when the stones block the bile duct or irritate the gallbladder, problems will appear. Common causes include poor eating habits, obesity, rapid weight loss and family heredity.

Gallstones often present as paroxysmal, severe pain in the right upper abdomen, usually after eating greasy food, sometimes accompanied by nausea, vomiting, bloating and other symptoms. If the stones cause bile duct obstruction, they may also cause jaundice, which manifests as yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes. In severe cases, the stones may cause acute cholecystitis, which manifests as persistent abdominal pain, fever and even chills; if the pancreatic duct is blocked, it can also lead to acute pancreatitis, with severe abdominal pain radiating to the back and potentially life-threatening.

If you have gallstones but no symptoms, generally no special treatment is required, but you need to pay attention to a light and balanced diet and avoid overeating and high-fat diet. If obvious symptoms or complications occur, it is recommended to go to the hospital for further examination, such as B-ultrasound or CT. After a clear diagnosis, take drug treatment or surgical intervention according to the doctor's advice. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, such as controlling weight, exercising moderately, and eating less greasy food, can help prevent the formation and onset of gallstones.