Posted By :  Admin1

Once thought to be a health issue primarily affecting adults, gallstones are now being diagnosed with growing frequency in children, raising alarm among paediatric medical professionals across India. In surprising new findings, cases are being reported in children as young as six, particularly in urban centres where sedentary behaviour and unhealthy dietary patterns are increasingly prevalent. Doctors caution that vague symptoms—such as recurring belly aches—are sometimes mistakenly attributed to ordinary digestive discomfort, underscoring the need for heightened awareness and vigilance.

Leading experts are calling for timely diagnosis, noting that ultrasound remains a safe and effective method for early detection. Dr Raman Kumar, Chairman of the Academy of Family Physicians of India, said that many cases can be resolved through medication and dietary adjustments when caught early—but complications like pancreatitis or gallbladder inflammation might necessitate surgery. In certain asymptomatic cases, doctors and families must weigh the benefits of surgical removal of the gallbladder against the risks of complications like jaundice or inflammation if gallstones are left untreated.

To combat the rising trend, paediatricians are urging parents, schools, and community health workers to promote preventive measures—chief among them, encouraging balanced diets rich in fruits, vegetables, and fiber, cutting back on junk food and sugary drinks, increasing physical activity, and reducing screen time. Regular health check-ups, particularly for children with family histories of gallstones or metabolic disorders, are being strongly recommended. As Dr Sinha aptly put it, “This is a wake-up call. Children’s health is shaped not just by genetics but by the environment we create for them".