What should be done about gallbladder polyps in adolescents?
Oct 18, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Gao Jun
Introduction
In general, gallbladder polyps in adolescents may be caused by long-term consumption of fried snacks, lack of physical activity, chronic cholecystitis, gallstones, or gallbladder adenomyomatosis. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and then improve the condition under a doctor's guidance through conservative management, medication, or surgical treatment as appropriate. In daily life, overeating should be avoided, and spicy and high-fat foods should be limited.
In general, gallbladder polyps in adolescents may be caused by long-term consumption of fried snacks, lack of physical activity, chronic cholecystitis, gallstones, or gallbladder adenomyosis. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and then improve the condition under a doctor's guidance through lifestyle modifications, medication, or surgical treatment as appropriate. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Long-term consumption of fried snacks: Adolescents who frequently consume fried snacks such as fried chicken and potato chips may experience elevated cholesterol levels in bile, leading to cholesterol deposition and polyp formation. Immediate dietary adjustments are necessary—reduce intake of fried snacks and replace them with healthier options like nuts and fruits. Maintain regular three meals a day, especially eating breakfast, to promote normal bile excretion.
2. Lack of physical activity: Prolonged sitting due to studying or excessive use of electronic devices, combined with insufficient exercise, can slow down metabolism and lead to bile stasis, increasing the risk of polyp development. Schedule 30 minutes of daily physical activity such as running, jumping rope, or playing basketball, at least five times per week, to enhance metabolic function and promote bile circulation.
3. Chronic cholecystitis: Chronic inflammation of the gallbladder caused by bacterial infection or bile irritation can repeatedly stimulate the gallbladder mucosa, resulting in hyperplasia and polyp formation. This may be accompanied by dull pain in the upper right abdomen. Patients should follow medical advice to take anti-inflammatory and bile-promoting medications such as Xiaoyan Lidan tablets, Ursodeoxycholic Acid Capsules, or Cefuroxime Axetil Tablets to control inflammation and relieve symptoms.
4. Gallstones: Long-standing gallstones can continuously rub against the gallbladder wall, damaging the mucosa and causing inflammation, which promotes mucosal hyperplasia and polyp formation. This may result in abdominal colic. Patients should take medications such as Danshitong Capsules, Lysimachiae Herba Granules, or Paracetamol Tablets as directed to alleviate pain. For larger stones, laparoscopic cholecystectomy may be considered to remove both the gallbladder and stones, preventing polyp progression or malignancy.
5. Gallbladder adenomyosis: Abnormal proliferation of the muscular and mucosal layers of the gallbladder wall leads to polyp-like protrusions that may impair gallbladder contractile function. If asymptomatic, regular ultrasound复查 every six months is recommended. If abdominal pain occurs or polyps grow larger, partial cholecystectomy may be performed to remove the affected area while preserving healthy gallbladder tissue, thus maintaining gallbladder function.
In daily life, avoid overeating, reduce intake of spicy and high-fat foods, and increase consumption of dietary fiber-rich foods such as spinach, broccoli, and oats. Regularly communicate with parents about physical health, follow up with doctors as recommended, and manage polyp progression through scientific care to maintain gallbladder health.
