Complications caused by gallstones

Gallstones are a common but not negligible health problem that can lead to a series of complications, such as cholecystitis and pancreatitis, which require us to pay enough attention to them. Gallstones are like "little stones" in your body, often lying quietly in your gallbladder, but once they cause problems, it may not be that simple.

Before we understand gallstones, let's first understand the basic functions of the gallbladder and bile. The gallbladder is a small sac located below the liver that stores and concentrates bile secreted by the liver. Bile is essential for digesting fat because it helps break down fat into smaller particles that are easier to absorb. However, in some cases, substances such as cholesterol or bile pigments in bile can deposit excessively to form "stones", which becomes a problem we need to solve.

When gallstones block the exit of the gallbladder, bile cannot flow out smoothly. This situation is like a city road suddenly blocked by stones, cars cannot pass, causing a traffic jam. Common complications include acute cholecystitis and acute pancreatitis. Acute cholecystitis is one of the most common complications of gallstones, usually manifested as persistent pain in the right upper abdomen, and may be accompanied by fever, nausea and other symptoms. Acute pancreatitis is caused by gallstones blocking the common bile duct, causing inflammation of the pancreas. The symptoms may be more severe, including severe upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and even fever.

To avoid complications caused by gallstones, it is recommended that you maintain a healthy lifestyle, start with diet management, consume more dietary fiber, high-vitamin fruits and vegetables, and control the intake of fat and cholesterol. At the same time, you should also maintain an appropriate amount of exercise to help promote the normal functioning of the digestive system. If gallstones have been diagnosed and discomfort symptoms occur, it is the safest choice to consult a professional doctor in time for appropriate treatment measures. Healthy living habits not only help prevent gallstones, but also protect overall health.