With the change of modern eating habits, gallbladder disease has gradually become a common health problem. Problems such as gallstones, cholecystitis, gallbladder polyps often cause discomfort to patients and even affect their quality of life.
1. Symptoms and causes of gallbladderHealth problems of the gallbladder usually manifest as a series of uncomfortable symptoms, the most common of which include gallstones, cholecystitis, gallbladder polyps, etc. The following are common gallbladder diseases and their symptoms:
Gallstones:
Gallstones are the most common gallbladder disease, which refers to solid particles or crystals in the gallbladder, usually formed by cholesterol or bile pigments. Gallstones can be divided into cholesterol stones and pigment stones. In many cases, gallstones do not cause obvious symptoms, but when the stones block the bile duct, they can cause severe abdominal pain (biliary colic).
Symptoms:
Severe pain in the upper abdomen, usually after eating greasy food, lasting for several hours;
Nausea, vomiting;
Warmth in the chest, sweating;
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes).
Cholecystitis:
Cholecystitis is an inflammation of the gallbladder, usually caused by gallstones, which blocks the flow of bile and leads to infection. Acute cholecystitis can cause severe abdominal pain and systemic symptoms and requires prompt treatment.
Symptoms:
Severe pain in the right upper abdomen, often with tenderness;
Fever, chills;
Nausea, vomiting;
Sometimes accompanied by jaundice.
Gallbladder Polyps:
Gallbladder polyps are small benign growths on the gallbladder wall that usually do not cause symptoms, but if the polyps are large, they may affect the function of the gallbladder and even cause gallbladder cancer.
Symptoms:
Most gallbladder polyps are asymptomatic;
Larger polyps may cause abdominal discomfort, nausea, or loss of appetite.
Cholangitis:
Cholangitis is an inflammation of the bile ducts, often caused by bile duct obstruction caused by gallstones, tumors, etc., which may lead to bile accumulation and bacterial infection, which is life-threatening.
Symptoms:
Fever, chills;
Upper abdominal pain, especially in the right upper abdomen;
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes).
The causes of gallbladder disease are usually related to a variety of factors, including lifestyle, eating habits, and genetics. Here are some of the main causes:
High cholesterol and high-fat diet:
Eating too much high-fat food, especially animal fat, increases cholesterol levels, which promotes the formation of gallstones.
Obesity and overweight:
Obese or overweight people are more likely to develop gallstones, especially women. Excessive body fat can lead to increased cholesterol concentration in bile, which can form stones.
Genetic factors: People with a family history are often more likely to develop gallbladder disease, especially gallstones.
Rapid weight loss: Rapid weight loss (such as through extreme diets or weight loss surgery) can lead to a rapid release of cholesterol, increasing the risk of gallstones.
Diabetes: People with diabetes usually have weak gallbladder function and are prone to gallstones.
Female hormones: Pregnancy, oral contraceptives and other female hormone use increase the risk of gallstones, especially in older women.
If you suspect you have gallbladder disease, timely examination is the key to diagnosis and treatment. Here are several common methods for gallbladder examination:
Ultrasound: Ultrasound is the most common way to check for gallbladder disease, especially gallstones. Through high-frequency sound waves, doctors can clearly see whether there are stones or other abnormalities in the gallbladder. This method is non-invasive, safe, and easy to use.
CT scan (CT scan):
CT scans can provide more detailed images of the gallbladder and bile duct, helping doctors diagnose problems such as gallstones, cholecystitis, and gallbladder tumors. Although CT scans are very helpful in diagnosing gallbladder disease, they are more invasive than ultrasound and have radiation.
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP):
ERCP is a test method used to examine the bile duct and pancreas, especially for bile duct obstruction caused by cholangitis or gallstones. Through the insertion of a catheter into the bile duct through an endoscope, the doctor can directly observe the situation in the bile duct and can also use this method to treat it if necessary (such as removing stones).
Magnetic resonance cholangiography (MRCP):
MRCP is a non-invasive imaging method that uses magnetic resonance imaging to perform a detailed scan of the bile duct, which can effectively detect diseases of the bile duct and gallbladder.
Although most gallbladder diseases require professional medical examinations to diagnose, you can also self-examine based on symptoms and body reactions to identify problems early. The following are symptoms that need special attention:
Severe abdominal pain, especially pain in the upper right abdomen;
Nausea, vomiting, and abdominal discomfort;
Persistent jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
Loss of appetite, especially symptoms related to eating greasy foods.
If you experience these symptoms, you should see a doctor as soon as possible.
The treatment of gallbladder disease usually depends on the severity of the disease and the specific situation of the patient. The following are some common treatments:
For some gallbladder diseases, especially gallstones or cholecystitis, drug treatment can effectively relieve symptoms and control the condition.
Lithrolytic drugs: For some cholesterol stones, drugs such as ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) can help dissolve stones and reduce symptoms. This method is usually used for patients with smaller gallstones.
Antibiotic treatment: For diseases caused by infection such as cholecystitis, doctors will use antibiotics to control the infection and relieve symptoms.
Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy is a non-invasive treatment method that uses high-frequency sound waves to break gallstones into small particles so that they can be smoothly discharged from the body. This method is usually suitable for patients with small stones and no complications.
For severe gallbladder disease, especially cholecystitis caused by gallstones or recurrent biliary colic, cholecystectomy is the most common treatment. Cholecystectomy is usually divided into two types:
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy: Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive surgery that inserts a laparoscope through several small incisions. Recovery after surgery is relatively fast, usually 1-2 days of hospitalization.
Open cholecystectomy: For complex cases, doctors may choose open surgery, which can be equally effective in treating gallbladder problems, although the recovery time is longer.
If gallbladder disease causes bile duct obstruction, ERCP can remove stones in the bile duct or relieve the obstruction through an endoscope.
The key to preventing gallbladder disease is to maintain a healthy lifestyle, especially diet and exercise habits. Here are some effective preventive measures:
Obesity is an important risk factor for gallstones and gallbladder disease. Maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise can help reduce the risk of gallbladder disease.
A low-fat, fiber-rich diet helps maintain a healthy gallbladder. Reducing the intake of animal fat and cholesterol and increasing the proportion of healthy foods such as vegetables, whole grains, nuts and fish can significantly reduce the risk of gallstones.
Rapid weight loss may lead to excessive cholesterol release and increase the risk of gallstone formation. If you need to lose weight, choose a healthy and gradual weight loss method.
Drinking plenty of water can help keep bile flowing and prevent cholesterol and bile pigment crystallization. Drinking enough water every day can help reduce the risk of gallstones.
Regular physical examinations, especially for high-risk groups such as those with a family history of gallbladder disease, obesity or diabetes, can detect gallbladder problems early and provide timely treatment.
Gallbladder health plays an important role in maintaining the overall digestive system function. By understanding the symptoms, causes and treatments of gallbladder disease and taking effective preventive measures early, we can greatly reduce the risk of gallbladder disease. At the same time, regular health checks and timely treatment are also important means to ensure gallbladder health.
By implementing the above preventive measures and treatment plans, everyone can better protect the gallbladder, reduce the impact of gallbladder disease on health, and live a healthier and more comfortable life.
