What complications can gallstones cause?

The complications that gallstones may cause can be very troublesome, such as cholecystitis, cholangitis and even pancreatitis, which require us to pay close attention to changes in the body. Gallstones refer to solid deposits in the gallbladder or bile duct in medicine. The root of this problem is usually related to high cholesterol levels, imbalanced bile components and other metabolic factors. Many patients are not even aware of it, because asymptomatic gallstones are actually very common, but once the bile duct is blocked, it may cause severe symptoms.

Cholecystitis is one of the most common complications. When gallstones block the gallbladder outlet, the flow of bile is obstructed, causing inflammation of the gallbladder. The patient will feel severe pain in the right upper abdomen, which may be accompanied by fever, nausea and other symptoms. If the inflammation persists and cannot be relieved on its own, medical intervention may be required. Cholangitis is an infection of the bile duct. The pain may be similar to that of cholecystitis, but the symptoms are more persistent and severe, and may be life-threatening at any time. Common bile duct stones are more dangerous. They may lead to pancreatitis. This complex condition can cause severe abdominal pain and systemic inflammatory reactions, and patients need to receive treatment quickly.

There are some lifestyle habits that can reduce the trouble caused by gallstones, such as maintaining a healthy diet and weight, avoiding overeating and high-fat, high-sugar diets. Regular exercise can help the body maintain a balance of cholesterol and bile. Adding more fiber, such as vegetables and fruits, to the diet can promote the normal functioning of the digestive tract and reduce the risk of gallstone formation. If you often feel discomfort in the right upper abdomen or have a family history of the disease, regular ultrasound examinations may help detect problems early and treat them in time. Any severe abdominal pain combined with fever, vomiting and other symptoms requires immediate medical help to avoid delaying the condition.

Although these measures cannot completely prevent the occurrence of gallstones and their complications, they can at least help us reduce the risk and improve the quality of life. If gallstones have been diagnosed and related symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek medical attention in time and receive treatment according to the doctor's instructions to avoid developing more serious problems.