What are the symptoms of gallstones?

Gallstones may cause a variety of symptoms, the most common of which is epigastric pain, which often manifests as severe colic in the right upper abdomen and may last from minutes to hours. Symptoms of gallstones also include indigestion, nausea, vomiting, and some people may even experience jaundice or fever, which indicates that gallstones may cause bile duct obstruction or infection.

Gallstones are solid particles formed by the precipitation of cholesterol or bile salts in bile. They can be single or multiple and of varying sizes. Causes of gallstone formation include an imbalance in bile composition, gallbladder motility disorders, and certain diseases or lifestyle factors. Risk factors that may lead to gallstone formation include obesity, a high-fat diet, rapid weight loss, diabetes, and genetics.

When gallstones cause biliary colic, patients usually feel uncomfortable after eating greasy food, because in this case the gallbladder needs more bile to help digestion, and the contraction of the gallbladder may cause the stones to get stuck in the bile duct opening, causing pain. If the stones move further and block the bile duct, it may also cause bile duct infection or pancreatitis, leading to more serious symptoms such as fever and jaundice.

It is recommended that people with symptoms of gallstones adjust their diet, avoid high-fat foods, and consume more fiber. Maintaining a healthy weight and regular exercise can reduce the risk of disease. If symptoms occur frequently or serious complications occur, you need to seek medical attention in time, confirm the stones through ultrasound examination, and follow the doctor's advice if necessary. You may need to receive medication or surgical intervention. Regular health checks are an important measure to prevent gallstones.