What are the symptoms of gallstones stuck in the bile duct?

Gallstones stuck in the bile duct may cause severe pain in the right upper abdomen, accompanied by nausea, vomiting, jaundice, fever and other symptoms. At this time, you must seek medical attention as soon as possible, because bile duct obstruction may lead to serious complications such as acute cholangitis, pancreatitis, etc., and even endanger your life. Treatment usually includes medication, endoscopic or surgical intervention, and the specific method depends on the severity of the disease.

1. Causes of gallstones getting stuck in the bile duct

Gallstones can become stuck in the bile ducts, which are the passages through which bile flows to the small intestine, due to:

Genetic factors: Gallstones often run in families. If there is a history of gallstones among direct relatives, the individual’s risk of the disease is higher.

Diet and lifestyle: A high-fat, high-cholesterol, low-fiber diet may lead to abnormal bile composition and increase the chance of gallstone formation. Obesity or long-term dieting may also induce gallstones.

Physiological and disease factors: Women, pregnant women, and patients with diabetes are more likely to form gallstones; bile duct stenosis or infection may also increase the risk of gallstones getting stuck.

suggestion:

① Develop healthy eating habits, eat more vegetables and fruits, and avoid high-fat and high-sugar diets; ② Maintain a proper weight and avoid losing weight too quickly; ③ Have regular physical examinations to detect potential risks early.

2. Common symptoms of gallstones stuck in the bile duct

3. Treatment of gallstones stuck in the bile duct

Treatment may include the following, depending on the size, location, and severity of the stone:

Drug treatment: For patients with mild bile duct obstruction, ursodeoxycholic acid can be taken to dissolve stones, and antibiotics can be used to control infection.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP): Removing stones through endoscopy is currently the main method for treating common bile duct stones. It is less traumatic and has a quick recovery.

Surgical treatment: If the stones are too large or the bile duct is severely damaged, cholecystectomy or bile duct exploration is required to remove the stones.

Diet and care recommendations: After surgery, you should eat a light diet and avoid greasy and irritating foods; drink plenty of water to promote bile flow; follow your doctor's advice for regular checkups.

4. Serious complications and countermeasures

If bile duct obstruction is not treated promptly, it may lead to the following serious consequences:

Acute cholangitis: Symptoms include high fever, jaundice and severe abdominal pain. The condition is critical and requires emergency treatment.

Acute pancreatitis: Gallstones blocking the pancreaticobiliary duct may lead to an attack of pancreatitis, with symptoms including severe abdominal pain and systemic inflammation.

Repeated bile duct dilatation or bile duct infection: may further damage liver function and even cause liver abscess.

Recommendation: If the condition is critical, you should go to the hospital emergency department immediately for professional treatment to avoid worsening complications.

Kind tips

Gallstones stuck in the bile duct are a serious health problem, and early detection and intervention are key. If you or your family members experience symptoms such as right upper abdominal pain and jaundice, do not hesitate to seek medical attention in time. A healthy lifestyle and a reasonable diet can effectively prevent the formation of gallstones. In daily life, pay more attention to your body's signals and have regular physical examinations to protect your health.