What are the causes of gallstones?
Dec 12, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Gao Jun
Introduction
The causes of gallstones mainly include imbalance of bile components, biliary obstruction, abnormal gallbladder function, metabolic influences, as well as genetic and environmental factors. If symptoms such as right upper abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting occur, timely medical evaluation is necessary. An imbalance in the proportions of cholesterol, bile acids, and lecithin in bile—particularly excess cholesterol or insufficient bile acids—can easily lead to the crystallization of cholesterol.
The main causes of gallstones include imbalances in bile composition, biliary tract obstruction, abnormal gallbladder function, metabolic influences, as well as genetic and environmental factors. If symptoms such as right upper abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting occur, prompt medical evaluation is necessary.
1. Imbalance in bile composition: An imbalance among cholesterol, bile acids, and lecithin in bile—such as excessive cholesterol or insufficient bile acids—can lead to the crystallization of cholesterol, which gradually aggregates to form stones.
2. Biliary tract obstruction: Narrowing of the bile ducts, polyps, or tumors can obstruct bile drainage, causing bile stasis and concentration, thereby promoting stone formation and potentially worsening the obstruction.
3. Abnormal gallbladder function: Reduced gallbladder contractility prolongs bile storage time, leading to excessive water absorption, increased bile concentration, and a higher risk of stone formation.
4. Metabolic influences: Metabolism-related conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia alter bile composition and metabolic status, increasing the likelihood of developing gallstones.
5. Genetic and environmental factors: Individuals with a family history of gallstones have a higher risk. Unhealthy lifestyle habits such as long-term high-fat diet and lack of physical activity also contribute to stone development.
Treatment primarily involves medication for stone dissolution, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, or surgical stone removal. Management includes maintaining a low-fat, light diet, regular sleep patterns, moderate exercise, avoiding overeating, and minimizing bile stasis to reduce the risk of stone formation.
