What are the symptoms of gallstones?
Disease description:
I usually maintain good health, but the water quality in my hometown is not very good. I was recently diagnosed with gallstones and feel quite confused about it. I would like to ask, what are the symptoms of gallstones?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Shen Yonghua
Cholelithiasis (gallstones) is a common gallbladder disease that primarily occurs within the gallbladder but may also appear in the bile ducts. Common symptoms include:
1. Biliary colic: This is the most common symptom, characterized by severe pain in the upper right or upper middle abdomen, which may radiate to the right shoulder or back. It typically occurs several hours after eating fatty foods, with duration ranging from minutes to several hours.
2. Nausea and vomiting: Particularly soon after eating or following consumption of high-fat foods. These symptoms may be related to pain caused by the stones and the inflammatory response of the gallbladder.
3. Jaundice: When gallstones block the bile ducts and impair bile excretion, bilirubin levels in the blood increase, causing yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes, often accompanied by dark urine and pale stools.
4. Fever: Infections caused by gallstones can lead to systemic symptoms such as fever and chills.
5. Abdominal tenderness: There may be a distinct tender point in the upper right abdomen, especially over the gallbladder area.
However, the above symptoms may also be associated with other diseases; therefore, timely medical consultation is necessary if any of these symptoms occur.
