What are the symptoms of gallstones?

Gallstones usually present as abdominal pain, especially in the right upper abdomen or mid-upper abdomen, which may be worse after eating greasy foods. If you have persistent, severe abdominal pain or other symptoms, consult a healthcare professional as soon as possible.

Gallstones form when cholesterol or other substances crystallize in the gallbladder due to an imbalance in the composition of bile. They can be as small as a grain of sand or large enough to block a bile duct. Gallstone formation can be related to diet, genetics, obesity, rapid weight loss, and certain health conditions such as diabetes and cirrhosis.

The specific manifestations are usually as follows: Biliary colic is a common symptom, which is a sudden and rapidly worsening pain in the right upper abdomen that may last from minutes to hours. Some patients may experience nausea, vomiting, stomach discomfort or bloating. When gallstones block the bile duct, it may also cause jaundice, which manifests as yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, and may even be accompanied by fever and chills.

To better manage gallstones, it is recommended to maintain a healthy lifestyle, for example, eat a balanced diet, reduce the intake of high-cholesterol and high-fat foods, increase fiber intake and maintain an ideal weight. Moderate exercise helps to strengthen the body and improve metabolism. If similar symptoms or discomfort occur in life, record them in time and consult a professional physician to obtain correct diagnosis and treatment advice, especially severe or recurring symptoms need to be treated immediately. If there are small gallstones without symptoms, the doctor may recommend regular monitoring instead of immediate surgery.