How many years can you live with gallstones?

Gallstones do not directly affect life expectancy, but if left untreated for a long time, they may cause a series of health problems. Gallstones are a common digestive system disease, which is mainly caused by solid particles formed by the precipitation of cholesterol or bile pigments in bile. They may exist in the gallbladder or in the bile duct. These "small stones" usually do not cause you any discomfort, but once they begin to block the bile duct, you may experience severe abdominal pain or even more serious complications such as cholecystitis and pancreatitis.

Understanding what causes gallstones can help us prevent them from forming. Common risk factors include a high-cholesterol diet, obesity, rapid weight loss, and certain genetic factors. Also, women, especially those over 40, are more likely to develop gallstones due to hormonal fluctuations in their bodies. Note that while many people may carry gallstones throughout their lives without symptoms, this does not mean they are harmless.

So, what should you do if you have gallstones? Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is key, such as eating a healthy diet, eating fiber-rich foods, and maintaining a healthy weight. For those with severe symptoms, your doctor may recommend treatment, including medication to dissolve the stones, or surgery to remove the gallbladder. Although surgery sounds scary, it is a relatively common procedure that can effectively prevent recurrences.

In daily life, if you suspect you have gallstones or have been diagnosed with the disease, it is key to monitor your health status regularly and maintain good eating habits. Try to avoid high-fat, high-cholesterol foods and exercise more. If you experience severe abdominal pain or other discomfort, you need to see a doctor immediately and seek professional medical advice and treatment plans, because early treatment can avoid many potential complications.