What are the clinical manifestations of gallstones?

Gallstones often present as abdominal discomfort or pain, especially after eating fatty foods. This condition usually occurs because the gallstones block the bile duct, preventing bile from flowing out smoothly, causing severe pain and a range of other symptoms.

Gallstones refer to solid stones formed in the gallbladder or bile duct. They are mainly formed by the deposition of cholesterol or bilirubin calcium salts. Many people may have gallstones but have no obvious symptoms, which is called "asymptomatic gallstones". Once the stones block the bile duct, they will cause a series of clinical manifestations, such as biliary colic, jaundice, fever and indigestion. Of course, in severe cases, they may also cause cholecystitis or pancreatitis.

Biliary colic is the most typical symptom of gallstones, usually manifested as severe pain in the right upper abdomen, sometimes extending to the right shoulder blade area. The pain may peak in a short period of time and last for several hours. Jaundice is caused by the accumulation of bile, which leads to yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes. This is the result of complete obstruction or infection of the bile duct. Cholecystitis is manifested by persistent abdominal pain, tenderness and fever. As for bile duct infection, symptoms such as chills and high fever may occur. Some patients feel bloating, belching or nausea and vomiting after consuming greasy food, which is often related to gallstones.

If you have any of the above symptoms, especially severe right upper abdominal pain or jaundice, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible. In your diet, you can pay attention to reducing fat intake and eating more fiber-rich foods to increase intestinal motility and promote bile excretion. Maintaining good living habits and exercising moderately may reduce the risk of gallstones. Regular health checks can detect problems early.