What should you know about different types of gallstones?

Cholesterol stones form when bile contains more cholesterol than it can keep dissolved. Pigment stones contain more bilirubin and may form when bile chemistry changes. Stones can remain in the gallbladder without symptoms, or move into a bile duct and cause biliary pain, indigestion, nausea or vomiting.

A blockage can inflame the gallbladder or obstruct nearby ducts. In some cases, inflammation can affect the pancreas and lead to pancreatitis. Factors such as obesity can increase the chance of gallstone formation, but symptoms cannot identify the stone type on their own.

Arrange a GP consultation for recurring upper abdominal pain, particularly after meals, or unexplained nausea and vomiting. Assessment may include questions about timing, examination and imaging. Keep a note of meals, pain location, duration and associated symptoms. Avoid crash dieting and discuss a steady eating pattern if weight management is relevant.

Treatment depends on symptoms, the stone location and complications. A clinician may recommend monitoring, specialist review or removal of the gallbladder when stones repeatedly cause problems.

Seek urgent medical help for severe or persistent abdominal pain, fever, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, repeated vomiting, faintness or pain spreading to the back. These signs can indicate infection, bile duct blockage or pancreatitis.

Ask where the stones are, whether the gallbladder is inflamed, which tests are needed, and how to recognise a blocked duct or pancreatitis.