What problems can gallstones cause?

Gallstones may cause severe pain, indigestion, jaundice, acute cholecystitis, bile duct obstruction and other problems. Pay attention to these symptoms in time and take appropriate measures according to the specific situation, such as improving diet, drug treatment or surgery when necessary.

1. Pain and indigestion: The most common symptom of gallstones is pain in the upper abdomen or below the right shoulder blade. This is usually because the gallstones block the passage of bile flow, thus causing inflammation of the gallbladder. The pain usually worsens rapidly after eating a fatty meal, accompanied by nausea and vomiting. For mild indigestion and pain, patients should try to avoid high-fat foods and eat more low-fat, high-fiber foods, such as oats, vegetables and fruits. Drinking enough water and eating small and frequent meals can also help relieve symptoms.

2. Jaundice and bile duct obstruction: If gallstones move to the common bile duct, they may cause bile duct obstruction, which in turn can cause jaundice. The typical manifestation of jaundice is yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes, which is because bilirubin cannot be excreted normally from the body. In this case, timely medical treatment is the most important step. Doctors usually perform imaging tests, such as ultrasound or CT scans, to determine the location of the obstruction, and then use methods such as endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) to remove the stones.

3. Acute cholecystitis: This is another serious problem caused by gallstones. Symptoms include severe and persistent abdominal pain, fever, chills, and loss of appetite. If acute cholecystitis is not treated promptly, it may cause the gallbladder to rupture or the infection to spread. Treatment usually requires hospitalization for observation and intravenous antibiotics to control the infection. If symptoms are severe and recurring frequently, your doctor may recommend a laparoscopic cholecystectomy to permanently solve the problem.

4. Other complications: Gallstones may also cause pancreatitis. If the stones move to the junction of the bile duct and the pancreatic duct, acute pancreatitis may occur. This condition is usually accompanied by severe pain in the upper abdomen and requires immediate medical attention. For some patients with recurrent gallstones, doctors may recommend the use of litholytic drugs, such as ursolic acid, to help dissolve cholesterol stones, but this treatment usually takes a long time.

Maintaining healthy eating habits in life can not only prevent the formation of gallstones, but is also crucial for patients who already have gallstones. Regular exercise, weight control and avoiding rapid weight loss are also effective preventive measures. Adjustment of lifestyle habits combined with timely medical treatment can greatly reduce the various health problems caused by gallstones and improve the quality of life. If you suspect that you have gallstones, you should seek medical attention in time and discuss the treatment plan suitable for you with a professional doctor to avoid further deterioration of symptoms. Health comes from continuous care and management. I hope everyone can get rid of the disease and regain a healthy life as soon as possible.