Can gallstones cause stomach pain and bloating?

Gallstones may cause stomach pain and bloating because they interfere with the normal secretion and discharge of bile, thus affecting digestion, causing upper abdominal discomfort, and even transmitting pain to the stomach. In order to relieve these symptoms, targeted treatment measures need to be taken according to the cause, including drug treatment, surgical treatment, and adjustments to daily diet and lifestyle habits.

1. Causes of stomach discomfort caused by gallstones

Once gallstones form, they may affect the normal function of the gallbladder and bile ducts.

-Physiological factors: Gallstones can block the bile duct and affect the discharge of bile. When bile cannot enter the small intestine to digest fat normally, it will cause food to remain in the stomach and cause bloating. In addition, when gallstones induce cholecystitis or bile duct infection, it may also cause upper abdominal pain, which often radiates to the stomach.

-Pathological association: Stomach pain and bloating may also be reflex pain caused by gallstones, which can be caused by increased bile duct pressure or local inflammation.

2. Ways to treat gallstones and relieve stomach discomfort

Treatment will vary depending on the extent of the gallstones:

-Drug treatment: For patients with mild symptoms and small stones, they can take drugs that dissolve cholesterol stones (such as ursodeoxycholic acid) to help reduce the impact of stones on bile discharge, thereby relieving bloating and intermittent stomach pain.

-Surgery: If the symptoms are severe, the stones are large, or there is cholecystitis, surgery is recommended. Minimally invasive laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the mainstream method, with less trauma and faster recovery. If the bile duct is also affected, common bile duct lithotomy or endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography can be considered.

-Diet adjustment and lifestyle habits: Avoid high-fat foods, as fat can stimulate gallbladder contraction and aggravate symptoms. It is recommended to choose light foods, such as steamed vegetables and fruits; eating small and frequent meals is more conducive to the normal secretion of bile.

3. Life Improvement Measures

4. Advice on medical treatment and symptom relief

If stomach pain or bloating caused by gallstones recurs, or is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever or jaundice, you must seek medical attention promptly to avoid delaying the condition.

A healthy lifestyle and scientific treatment can effectively control the progression of the disease. If you feel long-term discomfort in the upper abdomen, do not ignore the potential gallstone problem. Go to the hospital for ultrasound examination and related treatment as soon as possible, and do not blindly take medicine on your own. Learn to pay attention to your own health and create a relaxing environment for the stomach and gallbladder, which is more conducive to long-term health.