How long can you live without treatment of gallstones?

Gallstones are usually not life-threatening, but if left untreated, they can cause serious complications and should be taken seriously. Whether to seek medical attention and treatment depends on the size and number of the stones and whether they cause any discomfort.

Gallstones are "hard lumps" formed by the crystallization and deposition of cholesterol, bile salts and other substances in bile. They may be "silent" for a long time without obvious symptoms; but they may also cause severe abdominal cramps, nausea and vomiting, or even more serious problems such as cholecystitis, bile duct obstruction or pancreatitis. The larger and more numerous the stones are, the greater the risk, which is also the main reason why some people choose surgery.

If the symptoms are not obvious, small stones may not require immediate treatment and only require regular follow-up observation. However, if the stones cause recurring pain or complications, timely action must be taken. For example, acute cholecystitis may cause persistent right upper abdominal pain, fever or spread of infection, and worsening of the condition may be life-threatening. Especially when gallstones cause complete obstruction of the bile duct, it may also cause jaundice or spread of infection, resulting in serious consequences such as sepsis.

Patients are advised to pay attention to their body signals. If they experience recurrent abdominal pain, especially after meals, or abnormal symptoms such as yellowing of the skin or eyes, they should seek medical help as soon as possible. At the same time, they should reduce the intake of high-fat and high-cholesterol foods in their daily diet, eat more fiber-rich vegetables and fruits, and maintain regular exercise. These lifestyle adjustments can help stabilize bile composition and reduce the risk of stone development.