What are the symptoms of gallstones?

The main symptoms of gallstones include dull pain or colic in the right upper abdomen, sometimes accompanied by nausea, vomiting, abdominal distension, and fever and jaundice in severe cases. Some patients with gallstones have no obvious symptoms and may be discovered accidentally during a physical examination.

Gallstones are caused by an imbalance of cholesterol, bile salts or calcium in bile, which prevents bile from completely dissolving and gradually forms solid particles. The main function of the gallbladder is to store and concentrate bile. When bile flow is blocked or gallbladder function is disordered, the risk of gallstone formation increases. In addition to genetic factors, dietary structure (such as a high-fat and high-cholesterol diet), obesity, pregnancy and long-term fasting may also be causes of gallstones.

The specific symptoms vary depending on the location and size of the stone. If the stone is small and does not block the bile duct, there may be no obvious symptoms and it may only be discovered during an ultrasound examination. When the stone is large or blocks the bile duct, the patient may experience severe right upper abdominal cramps, which often radiate to the back or right shoulder, and may be accompanied by nausea and vomiting. If the stone causes cholecystitis, there may also be symptoms such as fever and chills. In severe cases, jaundice may occur, indicating that the bile duct is blocked or the infection has spread.

For patients with gallstones, they should pay attention to eating a light diet, avoid high-fat and high-cholesterol foods, eat more fresh fruits and vegetables and fiber-rich foods; eat regularly and avoid long-term fasting; maintain moderate exercise to prevent obesity. If obvious abdominal pain, fever, jaundice and other symptoms occur, they should seek medical attention in time to clarify the specific situation of the stones and carry out targeted treatment.