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As night fell, Xiao Li was preparing to enjoy a sumptuous dinner. But not long after he finished eating, a sharp pain suddenly came from his abdomen.
The pain made him break out in a cold sweat and he had to curl up on the couch.
Xiao Li thought to himself: "Could it be that you have a bad stomach?" ”
As everyone knows, this can be a warning sign of a more serious problem - gallstones.
Gallstones are a common digestive disease, and its harm is often underestimated. Many people think that as long as there are no obvious symptoms, they can be left alone. In fact, if left untreated, gallstones can lead to a series of complications that pose a serious threat to health.
How can I tell if I have gallstones? If you have the following symptoms after eating, you should be extra vigilant:
Pain in the upper abdomen
This is one of the most typical symptoms of gallstones. Patients often experience a persistent dull or cramping pain in the upper right abdomen after eating, especially after eating fatty foods. The pain can last anywhere from minutes to hours and sometimes spread to the right shoulder or back.
Nausea and vomiting
Because gallstones irritate the gastrointestinal tract, patients may experience symptoms of nausea, nausea, and even vomiting. This discomfort is often accompanied by abdominal pain, which can be very uncomfortable.
Bloating and discomfort
People with gallstones may feel bloated in their abdomen and feel full even if they haven't eaten much. This symptom may persist and affect the quality of daily life.
dyspepsia
Bile plays an important role in the digestion process, especially in the digestion and absorption of fats. When gallstones affect bile production, they can cause indigestion that manifests as diarrhea or constipation.
Yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes
In some cases, gallstones may block the bile ducts, causing bile to not drain properly. At this time, the patient may develop symptoms of jaundice, which is a yellow appearance of the skin and whites of the eyes.
fever
If a gallstone causes an infection, people may have fever. An increase in body temperature is usually accompanied by worsening abdominal pain, which requires immediate medical attention.
Seeing this, Xiao Li couldn't help but sweat. He recalls that he had recently indeed felt a lot of abdominal discomfort after eating, and sometimes mild nausea. "Did I really have gallstones?" Xiao Li was secretly worried in his heart.
In fact, the formation of gallstones is a complex process that involves several factors. The following groups of people are more likely to develop gallstones:
- Obese people: Being overweight increases cholesterol secretion and increases the risk of stone formation.
- Middle-aged women: Changes in estrogen levels may affect bile composition.
- Long-term dieters: Frequent dieting can lead to reduced gallbladder contractions, increasing the risk of stones.
- Genetic factors: People with a family history of the disease are more likely to develop the disease.
- People with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia, also have an increased risk.
Knowing this information, Xiao Li decided to take immediate action. He made an appointment with a doctor to get ready for a full examination. The doctor advised him to do an ultrasound first, which is one of the most common ways to diagnose gallstones.
The results of the examination came out, and Xiao Li did suffer from gallstones. The doctor told him that he was lucky to be found in time, and that there are now a variety of treatment options to choose from. Depending on the size of the stone and the severity of the symptoms, treatment can range from conservative treatment to surgical removal.
For patients with mild disease like Xiao Li, the doctor first recommends lifestyle modifications:
Adjust your diet
Reduce your intake of high-fat, high-cholesterol foods and increase the proportion of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Not only does this help with weight control, but it also improves bile composition and reduces stone formation.
Exercise moderately
Maintaining a regular exercise routine can help control weight, promote gallbladder contraction, and prevent cholestasis. 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise a day can make a big difference.
Control your weight
Weight loss is very important for people who are overweight or obese. However, it is important to note that it is not advisable to use an overly aggressive approach to weight loss, and you should gradually achieve a healthy weight.
Avoid long-term fasting
Staying unfed for long periods of time can lead to cholestasis and increase the risk of stones. It is recommended to maintain regular eating habits, which can increase the frequency of eating appropriately and reduce the amount of food at a time.
Hydrate
Adequate hydration can help dilute bile and reduce stone formation. It is recommended to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day.
In addition to these lifestyle adjustments, the doctor also prescribed some medication for Xiao Li. Stone dissolving pills can help slowly dissolve small gallstones, but this process can take months or even years. The doctor also reminded Xiao Li to seek medical attention in time if the symptoms worsen or new discomfort appears.
After listening to the doctor's advice, Xiao Li breathed a sigh of relief. He realized that although gallstones sound terrible, as long as they are detected in time and treated aggressively, the condition can be completely controlled and even cured.
Xiao Li's experience is a wake-up call for us. Many people may be like Xiao Li, who are usually busy with work and ignore the warning signs sent by the body. In fact, our bodies often remind us to pay attention to our health in various ways. Only if we learn to listen to these signals can we take action before the problem becomes serious.
For those who have been diagnosed with gallstones, it is important to maintain an optimistic and positive mindset in addition to following the doctor's instructions. Studies have shown that a good mental state can boost immunity and promote physical recovery. Try relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga, to help relieve stress and improve your overall health.
Let's not overlook the importance of regular check-ups. Many diseases may have no obvious symptoms in the early stages, and can only be detected in time through physical examination. It is recommended to have a comprehensive medical check-up at least once a year, especially for people who are middle-aged and older, this is especially important.
Traditional Chinese medicine also has unique insights into the treatment of gallstones.
Traditional Chinese medicine believes that the formation of gallstones is related to liver and gallbladder dampness, heat and qi stagnation and blood stasis. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatment often focuses on soothing the liver and relieving gallbladder and dissolving blood stasis and knots. Some traditional Chinese medicines, such as Yin Chen, Desmodium, and Ji Nei Jin, have been clinically proven to have certain curative effects on gallstones. However, when using traditional Chinese medicine, it must be carried out under the guidance of a professional TCM practitioner, and should not be blindly self-administered.
With the advancement of medical technology, the treatment of gallstones is also constantly innovating.
For example, the application of minimally invasive surgical techniques has greatly reduced the pain and recovery time of patients. Some hospitals have even begun to experiment with robotic-assisted surgery, further improving the accuracy and safety of surgery.
Prevention of gallstone formation is also a topic of concern. In addition to the previously mentioned dietary modifications and exercise habits, there are some tips that can help prevent gallstones:
Drink coffee in moderation: Studies have shown that drinking coffee in moderation may help prevent the formation of gallstones. However, this does not mean that you can drink coffee without restrictions, 1-2 cups a day is enough.
Increase your intake of vitamin C: Vitamin C can help convert cholesterol into bile acids, which can reduce the risk of stone formation. Foods rich in vitamin C include citrus fruits, kiwifruit, strawberries, etc.
Proper calcium supplementation: Moderate calcium intake is not only beneficial for bone health, but may also help prevent gallstones. However, excessive calcium supplementation may have side effects and is best done under the guidance of a doctor.
Avoid sitting for long periods of time: Sitting for long periods of time can affect the contractile function of the gallbladder. If the nature of the work requires sitting for long periods of time, it is recommended to get up and move every hour.
Maintain emotional stability: Long-term mental stress and mood swings may affect digestive system function, indirectly increasing the risk of gallstones. Learning to manage stress and maintaining a good mindset can also help prevent gallstones.
Going back to Xiao Li's story, after a few months of treatment and lifestyle adjustments, his symptoms improved significantly. A recent follow-up showed that his gallstones had shrunk significantly. This good news encouraged Xiao Li, and he was determined to continue to adhere to a healthy lifestyle, not only to prevent gallstones, but also to be healthy.
Xiao Li's experience has brought us important enlightenment: health is the most valuable wealth in life, and each of us should learn to listen to the voice of the body and develop good living habits.
In the face of disease, timely medical treatment and active treatment are the key. Maintain an optimistic and positive attitude, believing that through our own efforts and the power of medicine, we will be able to overcome the disease and regain our health.
The above content is for reference only, if you feel unwell, please consult a medical professional. If you like it, you can pay attention to it, share health knowledge every day, and be your exclusive online doctor.