People in modern society live a fast-paced life and often combine breakfast and lunch. Irregular eating habits may lead to abnormal gallbladder contractions and the formation of gallstones. If gallstones worsen and fall into the bile duct, it can cause acute cholangitis, resulting in severe upper abdominal pain. This is especially common among white-collar workers who skip breakfast to save money or for fear of gaining weight, leading to a trend of younger people developing gallstones in recent years.
Some patients with gallbladder stones may have no obvious symptoms, manifesting as discomfort, dull pain, or bloating in the upper right abdomen. During acute attacks, colicky pain can occur, which may radiate to the right shoulder and back, and in a few cases, to the left shoulder. These symptoms often occur after physical exertion. Patients experiencing discomfort, dull pain, or bloating in the upper right abdomen should seek medical attention promptly. Generally, a diagnosis can be confirmed through a liver and biliary tract ultrasound. Many patients with gallbladder stones suffer from recurrent abdominal pain but are misdiagnosed with stomach diseases due to not having an ultrasound, which delays their treatment.
Irregular eating leads to gallstones
Gallstones are most common in women around the age of 40 and men around 45, but cases in young people around 30 due to obesity or irregular eating habits are on the rise. The human body feels hungry every 5 to 6 hours. Upon waking, the gallbladder begins to secrete bile. If there is no food to digest, the gallbladder wall will absorb water, which can lead to stones over time. If a stone falls into the bile duct, it can cause acute cholecystitis, with pain in the upper right abdomen and the epigastric region. Because the symptoms are similar to a stomachache, it is often misdiagnosed by the public, and an ultrasound is necessary for a definitive diagnosis.
Don't skip fats for weight loss
People who avoid fats for weight loss can also have reduced secretion of cholecystokinin (CCK), which lowers the frequency of bile entering the intestines. When bile remains in the gallbladder and is not excreted, its concentration increases, leading to stone formation. It is recommended that people eat three balanced meals on a regular schedule and not neglect proper nutrition to save money or for weight loss. Additionally, avoid frequent overeating or consuming excessive rich foods, as high cholesterol in the gallbladder can also lead to stone formation and illness.