What are the complications of gallstones?

Gallstones may lead to a variety of complications, including cholecystitis, bile duct obstruction and pancreatitis, which need to be taken seriously and treated promptly if necessary. Gallstones are hard masses formed by the deposition of cholesterol or bile pigments in the gallbladder, which usually do not affect daily life, but when the stones block the cystic duct or common bile duct, they can cause a series of health problems.

Cholecystitis is one of the most common complications. When gallstones block the exit of the gallbladder, bile cannot be discharged normally, which may lead to inflammation and infection of the gallbladder. Symptoms include severe right upper abdominal pain, fever, nausea and vomiting, and in severe cases, sepsis. Bile duct obstruction is caused by stones entering the common bile duct, blocking the flow of bile into the intestines, which not only causes jaundice, but may also cause cholangitis. Symptoms of jaundice are yellowing of the whites of the eyes and skin, accompanied by lighter stools and darker urine. Some patients may feel abdominal distension and pain. Pancreatitis is another complication that requires special attention. If stones stay at the end of the common bile duct, which occasionally merges with the pancreatic duct, it will cause obstruction of the pancreatic duct and lead to acute pancreatitis, which manifests as severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and may even cause shock.

Cholecystitis is one of the most common complications. When gallstones block the exit of the gallbladder, bile cannot be discharged normally, which may lead to inflammation and infection of the gallbladder. Symptoms include severe right upper abdominal pain, fever, nausea and vomiting, and in severe cases, sepsis. Bile duct obstruction is caused by stones entering the common bile duct, blocking the flow of bile into the intestines, which not only causes jaundice, but may also cause cholangitis. Symptoms of jaundice are yellowing of the whites of the eyes and skin, accompanied by lighter stools and darker urine. Some patients may feel abdominal distension and pain. Pancreatitis is another complication that requires special attention. If stones stay at the end of the common bile duct, which occasionally merges with the pancreatic duct, it will cause obstruction of the pancreatic duct and lead to acute pancreatitis, which manifests as severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and may even cause shock.

For patients with gallstones, it is very important to maintain a healthy lifestyle and eating habits. It is recommended to eat small meals frequently, avoid high-fat, high-cholesterol foods, and maintain proper exercise to promote bile flow, which is an effective way to prevent the development of stones. If you have been diagnosed with gallstones, you should have regular physical examinations to detect whether you are at risk of complications in a timely manner. If you experience persistent right upper abdominal pain or any of the symptoms mentioned above, you should see a doctor immediately to determine the specific problem and take appropriate medical measures. Developing the habit of paying attention to your body's signals can not only detect problems early, but is also an important means of protecting your own health.