What should you know about gallstones and kidney stones?

Gallstones form in the gallbladder from substances in bile. They commonly cause pain in the upper right or upper middle abdomen, sometimes after food. Kidney stones form in the urinary tract and may cause severe pain in the flank or back that travels towards the groin, with painful urination or difficulty passing urine.

The two conditions are not the same and one does not turn into the other. Dehydration can make urine more concentrated and may contribute to kidney-stone formation, while gallstone symptoms relate to bile flow. Abdominal pain alone cannot identify which organ is involved.

A GP Consultation can help compare the timing, location and character of your pain. Bring a list of medicines and describe fever, vomiting, bowel changes, urine colour and any visible blood. An Abdominal Ultrasound may examine the gallbladder and kidneys, while urine and blood tests can add useful information.

Drink fluids regularly unless a clinician has told you to restrict them. Do not force large amounts of fluid during severe pain or vomiting. Treatment depends on the stone's position, symptoms and effect on drainage; do not rely on home remedies to dissolve or pass an undiagnosed stone.

Seek urgent help for severe or worsening pain, fever or chills with flank pain, repeated vomiting, blood in urine, or inability to pass urine. A blocked urinary tract with infection can become serious. Sudden intense abdominal pain with faintness or persistent vomiting also needs immediate assessment.

Ask which organ seems responsible, whether imaging is needed, how kidney and gallbladder stones are treated differently, what fluid intake is suitable for you, and which warning signs should send you to urgent care.