What are the dangers and consequences of gallstones?

Gallstones may cause severe abdominal pain, infection, and cholecystitis, and if not treated promptly, they can lead to more serious health problems. Gallstones are hardened substances that appear inside the gallbladder, similar to "pebbles", and are usually composed of cholesterol or bile pigments. Most patients with gallstones may not have obvious symptoms. However, when the stones block the gallbladder duct, they can cause biliary colic, which often occurs suddenly after eating high-fat foods. The pain may last for several hours and is often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and fever. If the inflammation spreads to the gallbladder wall, it may cause acute cholecystitis, and further development may even cause the gallbladder to rupture. The infection may spread to the entire abdomen, causing peritonitis, which can be life-threatening in severe cases. If the stones move to the common bile duct, it may also cause jaundice or pancreatitis.

For gallstones, a detailed medical evaluation should be performed first, including ultrasound and CT scans, to confirm the diagnosis and understand the severity of the stones. For small stones that do not cause symptoms, doctors usually recommend observation and regular monitoring, as well as dietary adjustments, avoiding cholesterol and high-fat foods, and consuming more fiber to promote intestinal peristalsis. For stones that often cause symptoms, medical or surgical intervention may be required. Common drug treatments include oral cholesterol dissolving agents, which usually take several months or even years to reduce the size of the stones. Surgical treatments include laparoscopic cholecystectomy, which is a minimally invasive surgery with a quick recovery and is usually the most commonly recommended option; if the patient cannot withstand surgery due to other health reasons, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy can also be considered to break up the stones and pass them out of the body naturally.

For gallstones, a detailed medical evaluation should be performed first, including ultrasound and CT scans, to confirm the diagnosis and understand the severity of the stones. For small stones that do not cause symptoms, doctors usually recommend observation and regular monitoring, as well as dietary adjustments, avoiding cholesterol and high-fat foods, and consuming more fiber to promote intestinal peristalsis. For stones that often cause symptoms, medical or surgical intervention may be required. Common drug treatments include oral cholesterol dissolving agents, which usually take several months or even years to reduce the size of the stones. Surgical treatments include laparoscopic cholecystectomy, which is a minimally invasive surgery with a quick recovery and is usually the most commonly recommended option; if the patient cannot withstand surgery due to other health reasons, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy can also be considered to break up the stones and pass them out of the body naturally.

In terms of lifestyle, you can reduce the risk of gallstones by losing weight, avoiding overeating, and maintaining a regular diet. Exercising more helps maintain a healthy weight and reduces the chance of stone formation. Patients should pay attention to changes in their symptoms. If abdominal pain is severe or accompanied by fever, they should seek medical attention immediately for further examination and treatment. Only by treating your body well, taking effective treatment measures in a timely manner and following the doctor's advice can you reduce the health threats brought by gallstones and enjoy a healthy and worry-free life.