How to prevent and treat gallstones

The prevention and treatment of gallstones lies in maintaining a healthy lifestyle and actively treating suspicious symptoms. Good eating habits, including reducing the intake of high-fat, high-cholesterol foods, are the key to preventing gallstones. Once symptoms become obvious, it is crucial to seek medical attention as soon as possible.

The formation of gallstones is often closely related to genetics, environment and personal lifestyle. Genetic factors may lead to an imbalance in bile composition and increase the probability of cholesterol deposition; unhealthy eating habits, especially high-fat, high-cholesterol diets, will increase the risk of gallstones, especially in obese people. Sedentary habits, extreme dieting or rapid weight loss in life may cause gallbladder dysfunction, leading to gallstones. Certain specific diseases such as diabetes and cirrhosis can also affect bile metabolism and increase the risk of gallstones. When gallstones block the bile duct or cause cholecystitis, patients will experience severe upper abdominal pain, jaundice, accompanied by nausea and vomiting. The appearance of these symptoms often indicates that medical intervention is needed.

Drug treatment can choose bile acid drugs such as ursodeoxycholic acid, which can dissolve some cholesterol gallstones, but the effect is slow; for calcified stones or severe symptoms, laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a common and safe surgical option; extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy is also a non-invasive stone removal method, but its application range is limited. Dietary adjustment is an important auxiliary means of prevention and treatment: increasing the intake of dietary fiber, such as vegetables and whole grains, can promote intestinal health and reduce the risk of gallstones; limiting the intake of refined sugars and saturated fats can help maintain cholesterol balance; maintaining a stable weight, as well as appropriate physical activities such as walking and yoga can help reduce bile stagnation and reduce the possibility of stone formation.

It is also important to pay attention to mental health during the treatment of gallstones. Patients should maintain a positive attitude and face the challenges of the treatment process bravely. Maintaining good communication with the doctor will help to adjust the treatment plan in time to achieve the best results. If symptoms such as persistent or severe abdominal pain occur, it is important to seek medical attention in time to avoid delaying the condition. Through scientific methods and self-management, many gallstone-related symptoms can be effectively controlled, making healthy living possible.