Common symptoms of gallstones

Common symptoms of gallstones include recurrent severe pain in the right upper abdomen, nausea, vomiting, abdominal distension, and jaundice. In severe cases, cholecystitis or pancreatitis may occur, and prompt medical attention is required to avoid worsening of the condition. If the above symptoms occur, you should pay attention and seek professional medical evaluation.

Gallstones are mainly formed by abnormal precipitation of cholesterol or bile components in bile, and the symptoms vary depending on the size and location of the stones. The common manifestation is sudden right upper abdominal colic, which may radiate to the shoulder blade or back, usually lasting from a few minutes to a few hours, and sometimes worsening after a fatty meal. Some patients will develop jaundice due to bile duct obstruction, manifested as darker urine, yellow skin and sclera. It may also be accompanied by symptoms such as persistent indigestion and abdominal bloating. In severe cases, if the stones block the common bile duct or pancreatic duct, it may lead to acute cholecystitis or acute pancreatitis, manifested as fever, chills and general fatigue, and you need to see a doctor quickly.

In daily life, prevention of gallstones and relief of symptoms can start with diet, exercise and lifestyle. For example, eat a reasonable diet on weekdays, avoid high-fat and high-cholesterol foods, and appropriately increase vegetables and fruits rich in dietary fiber; maintain regular exercise to help promote bile excretion; develop a good work and rest schedule and control weight. For patients diagnosed with gallstones and with severe symptoms, drug litholysis treatment can be selected, such as oral ursodeoxycholic acid; or consider minimally invasive laparoscopic cholecystectomy, which is safe and effective. If the condition is complicated or there are complications, in-depth treatment such as choledochoscopy exploration is required according to the doctor's advice. If the symptoms are difficult to relieve, do not hesitate to go to a medical institution. Early detection and early treatment will ensure health.