Why do gallstones cause pain?
Sep 23, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
Long-term irritation of the gallbladder wall by gallstones may lead to gallbladder perforation. When perforation occurs, bile leaks into the abdominal cavity, causing diffuse peritonitis and pain, possibly accompanied by symptoms such as generalized abdominal pain, abdominal muscle rigidity, and board-like abdomen. It is recommended to seek treatment at a正规 hospital, where surgical procedures such as cholecystectomy or cholecystostomy can be performed under the guidance of a physician.
Under normal circumstances, pain caused by gallstones may result from bile stasis, biliary colic, cholecystitis, biliary obstruction, or gallbladder perforation. If discomfort occurs, prompt medical attention is recommended. Specific causes are analyzed as follows:
1. Bile Stasis
When gallstones block the neck of the gallbladder or the cystic duct, normal bile excretion is obstructed, leading to bile accumulation within the gallbladder. The buildup of bile increases pressure on the gallbladder wall, triggering gallbladder muscle contractions and resulting in pain. This may also cause symptoms such as indigestion, nausea, and vomiting. Under medical supervision, medications such as ursodeoxycholic acid capsules, atropine tablets, and moxifloxacin hydrochloride tablets may be used to relieve pain.
2. Biliary Colic
When gallstones move or become lodged in the neck of the gallbladder or the cystic duct, they can trigger biliary colic—a severe, paroxysmal pain that often occurs after meals or at night. The pain may radiate to the right shoulder or back. It is recommended to follow medical advice and use medications such as cefaclor tablets, belladonna extract tablets, or anti-inflammatory and bile-promoting tablets for treatment.
3. Cholecystitis
Prolonged irritation of the gallbladder wall by gallstones can easily lead to cholecystitis. During cholecystitis, the gallbladder wall becomes congested and edematous, causing pain in the gallbladder region. This is usually accompanied by tenderness in the gallbladder area and a positive Murphy's sign. It is recommended to take medications such as racemic anisodamine tablets, cefixime capsules, and ursodeoxycholic acid capsules under a doctor’s guidance.
4. Biliary Obstruction
Gallstones may block the bile ducts, causing biliary obstruction and impairing bile drainage. This leads to spasmodic contractions of the smooth muscles in the bile ducts and results in pain. Additional symptoms may include skin itching and dark yellow urine. Treatment should be performed by a physician at a qualified hospital, possibly involving surgical procedures such as common bile duct exploration with stone removal or biliary-enteric anastomosis.
5. Gallbladder Perforation
Long-term irritation of the gallbladder wall by gallstones may lead to gallbladder perforation. When perforation occurs, bile leaks into the abdominal cavity, causing diffuse peritonitis and severe pain. Symptoms may also include generalized abdominal pain, abdominal muscle rigidity, and board-like abdomen (rigid abdomen). Patients should seek care at a reputable hospital where procedures such as cholecystectomy or gallbladder drainage (gallbladder fistulization) may be performed under medical supervision.
During treatment, patients should avoid consuming spicy, raw, or cold foods to prevent aggravating symptoms or causing bodily discomfort.
