What happens if you have gallstones?

Gallstones can cause a variety of uncomfortable symptoms, such as abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. In severe cases, they may lead to infection or bile duct obstruction, which requires timely attention and treatment.

Gallstones are a common digestive system disease that refers to solid crystals formed in the gallbladder or bile duct. The formation of gallstones is related to a variety of factors, including dietary habits, high cholesterol intake, obesity, and genetic factors. Most gallstones are small and asymptomatic, but some patients will experience significant discomfort.

If a gallstone blocks the gallbladder or bile duct, it may cause severe pain in the right upper abdomen, which is usually worse after eating fatty foods. The pain sometimes radiates to the back or right shoulder and is accompanied by symptoms of indigestion such as nausea, vomiting, and bloating. If the stones cause an infection, symptoms such as fever and chills may also occur, and it may even develop into cholecystitis or cholangitis. Severe bile duct obstruction may cause jaundice, a yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes, which is a condition that requires emergency treatment.

In order to prevent or alleviate the problems caused by gallstones, you should pay attention to eating a light diet, reduce the intake of high-fat and high-cholesterol foods, and increase dietary fiber, such as vegetables, fruits and whole grains. If you are overweight, you can gradually lose weight in a healthy way and avoid rapid weight loss. For patients who have been diagnosed with gallstones and have obvious symptoms, it is recommended to consult a doctor in time to determine whether surgical treatment is needed. Asymptomatic gallstone patients can usually observe changes in their condition through regular checkups, but if severe pain, fever or jaundice occur, they should seek medical treatment as soon as possible.