What symptoms do gallstones cause?

Gallstones may cause pain in the upper or right upper abdomen (commonly known as biliary colic), accompanied by nausea, vomiting, indigestion and other symptoms. In severe cases, they may cause jaundice, fever, etc., indicating concurrent infection or bile duct obstruction. These symptoms vary depending on the size, number and location of the stones. The manifestation and treatment of gallstones require the selection of medication, diet adjustment or surgery based on the specific condition.

1. Common symptoms

Symptoms of gallstones are often caused by obstruction of bile flow, inflammation, or infection, and include the following:

Right upper quadrant or epigastric pain: This is the most typical symptom. The pain is paroxysmal and can radiate to the right shoulder or back, and usually worsens after eating greasy food.

Nausea and vomiting: Due to abnormal bile excretion, some patients will experience obvious indigestion, accompanied by gastrointestinal reactions such as nausea and vomiting.

Jaundice: If stones block the common bile duct, bile may back up into the bloodstream, causing yellowing of the skin and sclera.

Fever and chills: indicate the occurrence of infection such as cholangitis, which is a manifestation of more serious complications.

Mild symptoms may only be a feeling of discomfort or fullness, but severe symptoms require prompt medical attention to rule out acute cholecystitis or other complications.

2. Causes and treatment of gallstones

Specific countermeasures should be formulated according to the cause of the disease for different symptoms:

(1) Cholestasis or abnormal composition

Gallstones are mostly formed due to an imbalance in the ratio of cholesterol, bile salts and lecithin in bile.

Dietary adjustments: Reduce the intake of high-fat, high-cholesterol foods and eat more foods rich in dietary fiber, such as oats, vegetables, and fruits, which will help improve bile metabolism.

Drug treatment: Small stones can be dissolved by taking ursodeoxycholic acid orally, but it is only suitable for non-calcified stones and the effect is slow.

(2) Weakened gallbladder motility

Long-term sitting, obesity and irregular diet can lead to decreased gallbladder contraction function and promote stone formation.

Keep exercising: Doing 30 minutes of low-to-moderate intensity exercise every day, such as brisk walking or yoga, can help promote bile circulation.

Regular diet: Avoid overeating and long-term fasting, eat three meals a day on time, and stimulate the gallbladder to empty bile.

(3) Inflammation or complications caused by stones

When gallstones cause cholecystitis or cholangitis, more aggressive treatment is required.

Anti-infection treatment: Control infection and relieve inflammation through intravenous infusion of antibiotics (such as cephalosporins).

Minimally invasive surgery: such as laparoscopic cholecystectomy, is suitable for patients with recurrent attacks or combined inflammation and is currently the most common radical cure.

3. When to see a doctor and prevention advice

If you experience symptoms such as persistent severe pain, jaundice, high fever, etc., you should go to the hospital for examination in time to avoid worsening of the condition. For asymptomatic gallstone patients, regular checkups are recommended to assess the development of the stones.

Precautions:

1. Control your weight, avoid obesity and rapid weight loss.

2. Eat a light diet and reduce the intake of high-fat and high-sugar foods.

3. Maintain a good lifestyle and avoid staying up late and being under too much stress. Although gallstones are common, their symptoms vary. Some patients may not feel any obvious discomfort for a long time, but once an attack occurs, it may seriously affect the quality of life. The occurrence of gallstones can be effectively prevented through a healthy diet and lifestyle. If gallstones have been diagnosed, a reasonable treatment plan should be developed with a doctor based on your condition, and surgical intervention should be performed in a timely manner if necessary. Remember, a healthy body comes from daily maintenance.