What are the clinical symptoms of patients with gallstones?

The clinical symptoms of gallstone patients mainly include dull or severe pain in the upper abdomen, nausea, vomiting, jaundice, etc. In severe cases, it may cause acute cholecystitis or bile duct infection, and timely medical diagnosis and treatment are required.

The symptoms of gallstones vary depending on the size, number and location of the stones. Most patients may be asymptomatic for a long time, but when the stones block the bile duct, they will cause obvious discomfort. Pain on the right side of the upper abdomen is the most common manifestation. The pain often radiates to the back or right shoulder, lasting from a few minutes to a few hours, and usually worsens after eating high-fat foods. The accompanying nausea and vomiting are digestive disorders caused by obstructed bile excretion. If gallstones cause bile duct obstruction, obstructed bilirubin metabolism can cause yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice), accompanied by darker urine and lighter stools. Some patients may have symptoms of infection such as fever and chills, indicating combined acute cholecystitis or cholangitis, which require emergency treatment.

For patients with gallstones, timely diagnosis and symptomatic treatment are very important. For patients with small gallstones and no symptoms, the progression of the disease can be observed through regular examinations; for patients with symptoms or complications, treatment usually includes drug lithotripsy (such as ursodeoxycholic acid), extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, and surgical treatment (such as laparoscopic cholecystectomy). In terms of diet, high-fat and high-cholesterol foods should be avoided, and light, easily digestible meals such as steamed fish, oatmeal porridge and green leafy vegetables should be chosen; moderate exercise should be maintained daily to prevent obesity. Be alert to worsening symptoms and seek medical attention in time to avoid worsening of the disease. Early diagnosis and treatment can effectively reduce the risk of complications and improve the quality of life.