Before reading this article, I sincerely invite you to click "Follow" to share professional medical science knowledge with you every day to help you and your family improve the quality of healthy life, thank you for your support!
When it comes to gallstones, many people may think that this is just a "small problem", it doesn't hurt or itch, it's not a big deal. But you know what? Behind this "small problem" are some big problems. Today, let's talk about the five major dangers of gallstones and see why it deserves our great attention.
What are gallstones?
To put it simply, gallstones are when some components of bile (such as cholesterol and calcium bilirubin) are crystallized in the gallbladder and turned into small stones.
Although many people may not have obvious symptoms for the rest of their lives, these small stones are not just there to stay, and sometimes they make a noise that makes you have to pay attention to their presence.
Cholecystitis and cholangitis
The first thing to talk about is cholecystitis and cholangitis. Once a gallstone blocks the cystic duct or common bile duct, it can cause cholecystitis or cholangitis. That feeling is definitely unforgettable.
Severe right upper quadrant pain, fever, nausea, vomiting, and even jaundice in some people, yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes. And that's not the worst, and in severe cases, it can lead to septic shock, which can be a terrible thing.
Early cholecystectomy significantly reduces the incidence of cholecystitis and cholangitis. In the study, the incidence of cholecystitis in the surgical group was significantly lower than that in the conservative group. This shows that timely surgery can effectively prevent these complications and reduce pain and risk.
pancreatitis
Another big problem caused by gallstones is pancreatitis. When the stone moves from the cystic duct to the common bile duct and blocks the pancreatic duct, pancreatitis comes to the door. Pancreatitis is no joke, severe abdominal pain, so painful that it makes you doubt your life, as well as symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. Severe pancreatitis can even cause multi-organ dysfunction, which can put people in crisis all at once.
Data from the literature suggest that early cholecystectomy is effective in reducing the incidence of acute pancreatitis. The study found that the incidence of acute pancreatitis in the surgical group was significantly lower than that in the conservative treatment group during the follow-up period. This once again demonstrates the importance of surgery in preventing complications.
Gallbladder cancer
When it comes to gallbladder cancer, many people may think that it is a little far away, after all, gallbladder cancer is not very common in cancer. But the problem is that people with long-term gallstones do have an increased risk of gallbladder cancer. If the stone is rubbed and irritated in the gallbladder for a long time, the cells in the wall of the gallbladder may proliferate abnormally, and over time, it may turn into cancer.
Patients with long-term gallstones are at increased risk of developing gallbladder cancer, so regular medical check-ups and early intervention are recommended for such patients. Early detection and early treatment can prevent problems before they occur.
Liver impairment
The impact of gallstones on the liver should not be underestimated. Blockage of the bile ducts caused by gallstones can lead to cholestasis, which is one of the most important substances for liver metabolism. Long-term cholestasis can not only lead to abnormal liver function, but also lead to serious consequences such as cirrhosis
The data showed that the liver function indexes of the patients in the surgical treatment group were significantly better than those in the conservative treatment group during the follow-up period. Studies have found that surgery can effectively prevent bile duct obstruction and maintain the normal functioning of liver function. This is especially important for patients with gallstones.
Digestive problems
The last thing to talk about is digestive problems. The main function of the gallbladder is to store and concentrate bile, which is essential for the digestion of fats. Gallstones can affect the normal secretion and flow of bile, leading to indigestion, bloating, fatty stools and other symptoms. Although these problems are not life-threatening, they do affect the quality of life, make people eat well, and greatly reduce their lives.
Studies have shown that surgical treatment can significantly improve digestive symptoms and improve patients' quality of life. During the follow-up period, the patients in the surgical group had significantly reduced their symptoms of dyspepsia and their diet returned to normal. This is good news for patients who suffer from indigestion due to gallstones.
Although gallstones may seem inconspicuous, the problems they pose should not be underestimated. Whether it's cholecystitis, pancreatitis, gallbladder cancer, liver damage and digestive problems, it's enough to be painful. Therefore, timely prevention and treatment of gallstones is particularly important.
Finally, what experiences and insights would you like to share? Feel free to leave a message in the comment area!