Acute cholelithiasis: when gallstones cause sudden symptoms

A stone can temporarily obstruct the gallbladder outlet, producing strong upper abdominal pain that may travel to the back or right shoulder. Persistent pain, fever or jaundice raises concern for a complication rather than uncomplicated biliary colic.

Gallstones form inside the gallbladder from substances in bile. Symptoms begin when a stone interferes with bile flow. Pain is often felt under the right ribs or in the upper middle abdomen and may follow food, although timing alone cannot confirm the diagnosis.

A prolonged blockage can inflame the gallbladder. A stone that moves into the main bile duct may cause jaundice or infection, while blockage near the pancreatic opening can trigger pancreatitis. Examination, blood tests and ultrasound help distinguish these problems.

Arrange medical review for a first suspected gallstone attack or recurring upper abdominal pain. Until assessed, avoid meals that clearly provoke symptoms, keep hydrated if you can drink without vomiting and use only pain relief that is safe for you.

The clinician may arrange ultrasound and blood tests, then discuss observation, medicines for symptoms or gallbladder removal. Write down when pain started, where it travels, what you ate beforehand and whether fever, vomiting, pale stools or dark urine occurred.

Go for urgent assessment when abdominal pain is severe, persistent or accompanied by fever, repeated vomiting, yellow skin or eyes, a swollen abdomen, confusion or faintness. These signs can indicate gallbladder inflammation, infection, pancreatitis or obstruction of the main bile duct.

Use emergency services if pain comes with collapse, marked drowsiness or breathing difficulty. A pregnant person, an older adult or someone with a weakened immune system should seek prompt advice for significant new abdominal symptoms.

Ask whether the pattern fits biliary colic or a complication, what the imaging shows and whether liver or pancreatic blood tests are abnormal. If surgery is proposed, clarify what to do during another attack and which symptoms should override a routine appointment.