Clinical symptoms of gallstones

Typical clinical symptoms of gallstones include severe pain in the right upper abdomen, often accompanied by nausea and vomiting. When these symptoms occur, you should seek medical attention in time for proper diagnosis and treatment. Gallstones are crystalline substances formed in the gallbladder that may cause a series of digestive tract abnormalities.

1. Main symptoms

The most common symptom of gallstones is severe pain in the upper right abdomen that may radiate to the right shoulder or back. The pain is usually worse after eating greasy or fatty foods and can last for several hours. It may also be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, bloating, and indigestion. Some people may have no obvious warning symptoms before the pain develops.

2. Other signs to watch out for

In addition to the common symptoms mentioned above, some severe cases may present with fever, yellow skin and whites of the eyes, which is due to the bile duct being blocked by stones, leading to bile accumulation, medically known as jaundice. This situation may require emergency treatment.

3. Diagnosis and treatment methods

Gallbladder stones can be diagnosed with imaging tests such as abdominal ultrasound. Once diagnosed, treatment options vary depending on the severity of symptoms. For patients with asymptomatic stones, regular monitoring rather than immediate surgery is usually recommended. If symptoms are severe or recurring, gallbladder removal surgery may be an effective solution. Oral cholesterol-dissolving drugs and extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy are nonsurgical treatments that are suitable for some patients.

4. Preventive measures in daily life

Maintaining a healthy diet and weight is an important way to prevent gallstones. It is recommended to eat more fiber-rich foods and reduce the intake of high-fat meals. Regular daily exercise and staying hydrated can also help reduce the risk of gallstones.

To reiterate the core point, if clinical symptoms of gallstones occur, you should seek medical attention in time to avoid worsening of the condition. If stones are discovered early, there are more treatment options with less risk. A proper diet and a healthy lifestyle can effectively reduce the risk of stone recurrence. Maintaining good living habits is not only good for gallbladder health, but also for overall physical condition.