Can gallstones cause jaundice?

Jaundice is a very common presentation of Gallstones when a stone blocks the flow of bile from the gallbladder or bile duct. This can make the skin or whites of the eyes look yellow and may also darken urine or lighten stools. Jaundice needs medical assessment because a blocked bile duct can become serious.

Bile is made in the liver and normally travels through small ducts into the intestine. A gallstone can move out of the gallbladder and lodge in a bile duct. The trapped bile then backs up into the bloodstream, causing yellowing. Pain under the right ribs or in the upper abdomen, nausea, vomiting, itching, fever, or chills can occur alongside jaundice.

Gallstones may cause no symptoms when they remain in the gallbladder. Symptoms become more concerning when a stone interferes with drainage or triggers inflammation. A clinician may use an examination, blood tests, and imaging such as an ultrasound to look for obstruction and inflammation.

Arrange prompt medical care rather than waiting for the colour change to settle. Tell the clinician when the yellowing began, whether you have abdominal pain or fever, and whether your urine, stools, or skin have changed. Bring a list of medicines and supplements, since some liver and bile-duct problems can have similar features. Avoid alcohol until you have been assessed, and do not take extra pain medicine beyond the label or your clinician’s advice.

Seek urgent medical help if jaundice occurs with severe or persistent upper-abdominal pain, fever, chills, repeated vomiting, confusion, fainting, marked drowsiness, or difficulty keeping fluids down. These symptoms can occur when a blocked bile duct is infected or when inflammation affects nearby organs. Emergency care is also appropriate if you feel rapidly worse or cannot safely travel to a clinic.

Ask what may be blocking bile flow, which tests are needed, and whether the gallstone is in the gallbladder or a duct. You can also ask how to manage pain and food intake while waiting, whether a procedure to clear the duct is needed, and whether gallbladder treatment should follow after the blockage is addressed.