Clinical symptoms of gallstones

The clinical symptoms of gallstones usually present as a sudden onset of severe pain in the right upper abdomen, also known as biliary colic. This pain may spread to the back or right shoulder and is accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and indigestion. Some people may develop jaundice, a gradual yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes, which is caused by bile duct obstruction.

Gallstones can cause a variety of symptoms, depending on where they are and whether they cause bile duct obstruction. When a stone blocks the exit of the gallbladder, it can cause biliary colic, pain that usually starts a few hours after eating a fatty meal. Continued obstruction may lead to cholecystitis, with symptoms such as persistent, severe right upper abdominal pain, fever, and chills. If a stone moves into the common bile duct and blocks it, it can cause jaundice and, in severe cases, cholangitis, an emergency that requires immediate medical attention. Other people may have no symptoms and the stone is only discovered incidentally during an imaging test.

Gallstones can cause a variety of symptoms, depending on where they are and whether they cause bile duct obstruction. When a stone blocks the exit of the gallbladder, it can cause biliary colic, pain that usually starts a few hours after eating a fatty meal. Continued obstruction may lead to cholecystitis, with symptoms such as persistent, severe right upper abdominal pain, fever, and chills. If a stone moves into the common bile duct and blocks it, it can cause jaundice and, in severe cases, cholangitis, an emergency that requires immediate medical attention. Other people may have no symptoms and the stone is only discovered incidentally during an imaging test.

If severe pain, fever, or jaundice occur, medical help should be sought immediately to rule out the possibility of serious complications such as cholangitis or pancreatitis. For patients with mild or no symptoms, observation and dietary modification to reduce fat intake and reduce the cholesterol saturation in bile are usually used. Increasing fiber intake and maintaining an appropriate weight can also help control stones. For patients who have frequent symptoms or complications, specific treatments include oral dissolving drugs such as ursodeoxycholic acid or chenodeoxycholic acid, which may reduce the incidence of stones with long-term use. For severe cases, surgery to remove the gallbladder (cholecystectomy) may be necessary. This is a common minimally invasive procedure, usually performed laparoscopically, with a rapid recovery and a good prognosis. Maintaining a regular diet and an appropriate weight can help prevent the formation of new gallstones. By understanding the body's warning signs and seeking professional medical advice in a timely manner, gallstone problems can be effectively managed.