Feeling Bloated After Eating Rice? It Could Be a Warning Sign of Gallstones.

As you get older, your body begins to send certain signals. One common symptom among many elderly individuals is indigestion and stomach discomfort, as if the food is not being properly digested.

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This often occurs after finishing a meal. Many people may take antacids or aromatic medicines to relieve the symptoms, assuming it is just indigestion. But did you know, elderly individuals, that this could actually be a sign of gallstones?

When you have gallstones, you may experience the following symptoms: Although 50% of people with gallstones do not show any symptoms at all, those who do may feel indigestion and discomfort, similar to food that has not been properly digested. You may experience intermittent, cramp-like pain below the rib cage that comes and goes. The pain may take several hours to subside. If left untreated for a long time—or if inflammation develops—the pain may radiate to the right hip area and be accompanied by nausea and fever. Some people may mistake this for stomach pain caused by gastric issues, resulting in ineffective treatment.

Why Do Gallstones Cause Abdominal Pain and Bloating?

The gallbladder functions as a reservoir for bile produced by the liver, which helps digest fats in food. When we consume fatty foods, the gallbladder releases concentrated bile to break down the fat. When gallstones form—due to an imbalance of components in the bile, leading to the crystallization of cholesterol—the digestion and absorption of fats become incomplete. This results in increased indigestion, abdominal pain, and bloating, especially after eating fatty foods.

And did you know, elderly individuals, that the main cause of gallstone formation is the long-term habit of consuming high-fat foods?

Therefore, if you have enjoyed fatty foods since your younger years and are now experiencing frequent indigestion and discomfort after meals, it is advisable to consult a doctor promptly to assess your risk and receive appropriate treatment—rather than enduring this abdominal pain for the rest of your life.