Cholelithiasis with gallbladder sludge

Biliary sludge is a mixture of concentrated bile and tiny particles that can settle in the gallbladder. It may appear during fasting, illness, pregnancy or reduced gallbladder emptying, and it can disappear when the underlying situation changes. When gallstones are also present, either the stones or the sludge may irritate the gallbladder or move into a drainage channel.

Some people have no symptoms. Others develop steady upper-abdominal pain, indigestion, nausea or vomiting after meals. An ultrasound and clinical examination help distinguish an incidental finding from active gallbladder disease.

Discuss the report with a clinician who can match it to your symptoms and medical history. You may need observation, repeat assessment or surgical advice if pain keeps returning or inflammation develops. Keep meals moderate if fatty foods trigger discomfort, but avoid extreme dieting or prolonged fasting. Use only medicines recommended for you.

Record pain location, timing, food triggers, fever and vomiting. The [Gallstones](/conditions/gallstones/) guide explains the underlying condition, and a [GP Consultation](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/gp-consultation/) can coordinate follow-up.

Seek urgent care for persistent or severe abdominal pain, fever, chills, repeated vomiting, yellow skin or eyes, confusion or fainting. These features may indicate acute inflammation, a blocked bile duct or pancreatitis rather than an incidental sludge finding.

Pain that spreads to the back, especially with vomiting, also deserves prompt assessment. See [Abdominal Pain](/symptoms/abdominal-pain/) and [Nausea](/symptoms/nausea/) for symptom information while seeking advice.

Ask whether the sludge is still present, whether stones are blocking flow, what symptoms should trigger urgent review, and whether repeat imaging or surgical assessment is appropriate. Ask how fasting, pregnancy, recent illness and your medicines may affect the finding.