What are the hazards and consequences of gallstones?

Gallstones are a common digestive disease that can cause a variety of serious health problems, such as biliary colic, cholecystitis, bile duct obstruction, and even complications such as liver damage or pancreatitis. If left untreated, these problems can be life-threatening. It is important to understand the dangers of gallstones and take appropriate measures.

1. The harm of gallstones

The harm of gallstones can manifest in the following aspects depending on their size, number and location:

① Biliary colic

When gallstones block the cystic duct or common bile duct, bile flow is blocked, causing severe right upper abdominal cramping, usually accompanied by nausea and vomiting. This pain may last from minutes to hours, seriously affecting the quality of life.

②Cholecystitis

Long-term presence of gallstones can irritate the gallbladder wall, causing inflammation and leading to cholecystitis. Patients with acute cholecystitis will experience fever, persistent right upper abdominal pain and tenderness, which may lead to gallbladder perforation or abscess if not treated.

③Bile duct obstruction and jaundice

When stones block the common bile duct, it can cause obstructive jaundice, which manifests as yellowing of the skin and sclera, darkening of urine, etc. Long-term jaundice can cause liver damage, and in severe cases may develop into biliary cirrhosis.

④ Cholangitis

When gallstones block the bile duct, it may lead to infection and form cholangitis. Its typical symptoms are "Charcot's triad": fever, right upper abdominal pain, and jaundice. If this infection is not treated in time, it may lead to serious consequences such as sepsis.

⑤ Pancreatitis

If gallstones block the end of the common bile duct and the pancreatic duct at the same time, it can cause acute pancreatitis, a life-threatening emergency that requires medical attention as soon as possible.

2. Consequences of Gallstones

If gallstones go undetected or untreated for a long time, the consequences can be more serious:

①Chronic gallbladder disease

Long-term inflammatory stimulation can lead to decreased gallbladder function and even gallbladder atrophy or an increased risk of gallbladder cancer.

② Impaired liver function

Gallstones cause long-term bile congestion, which can damage liver cells and cause abnormal liver function. In severe cases, it can develop into cirrhosis.

③ Indigestion

Hypofunction of the gallbladder can affect fat digestion, leading to bloating, diarrhea or steatorrhea, and affecting nutrient absorption.

3. Ways to deal with gallstones

To avoid the harm caused by gallstones, timely treatment is the key. The following are common treatment and prevention methods:

① Drug treatment

For small gallstones or those without symptoms, ursodeoxycholic acid can be taken to help dissolve the stones. However, the drug has limited efficacy and needs to be taken for a long time.

②Surgery

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy: currently the most commonly used minimally invasive surgical method, suitable for most patients, with quick recovery and less trauma.

Open cholecystectomy: It is indicated for complicated cases, such as patients with gallbladder perforation or extensive infection.

ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography): Used to remove common bile duct stones. It is a minimally invasive surgical method.

③Daily prevention

Dietary adjustments: Avoid high-fat, high-cholesterol foods, and eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

Regular exercise: maintain a healthy weight and prevent obesity.

Regular physical examinations: Especially those with a family history of gallstones should undergo regular abdominal ultrasound examinations.

Kind tips

The harm of gallstones cannot be ignored. Regardless of whether the symptoms are obvious or not, they need to be taken seriously. If you experience symptoms such as right upper abdominal pain or jaundice, you should seek medical attention immediately. Active treatment can not only avoid complications, but also improve the quality of life. At the same time, preventing gallstones through a healthy lifestyle is of great significance in reducing the incidence rate.

Health starts with prevention. Pay attention to gallbladder health and create a healthier living environment for yourself and your family!