What should you know about gallstones in the stomach?

Gallstones form in the gallbladder, not the stomach, but they can cause pain felt in the upper abdomen. This can be confused with a stomach problem because the organs sit close together. A scan is usually needed to confirm gallstones, while the timing and character of symptoms help clinicians consider other causes.

The gallbladder stores bile beside the liver. When a stone irritates the gallbladder or obstructs a duct, discomfort may appear in the upper right abdomen, the centre below the breastbone, or the back. It may begin after eating and can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, bloating or indigestion. Those symptoms are not specific to gallstones; reflux, ulcers and other abdominal conditions can feel similar.

A stone that remains quiet may need no immediate treatment. Recurrent or complicated symptoms call for a clinician’s review to decide whether treatment is appropriate.

Book a GP consultation when upper abdominal discomfort repeats, interrupts sleep, or is linked with meals. Note where the pain starts, whether it travels, how long an episode lasts, and whether you have fever, vomiting or changes in urine or stool colour. The clinician may examine your abdomen and request blood tests or an ultrasound. Avoid taking leftover antibiotics or someone else’s pain medicine.

Get urgent help if abdominal pain is intense, does not settle, or comes with fever, jaundice, repeated vomiting, confusion, fainting, or marked tenderness. Such features can signal inflammation or obstruction, including pancreatitis, rather than a minor stomach upset.

Ask whether the pain location could reflect the gallbladder, what the ultrasound and blood tests would show, and what symptoms should prompt emergency care. Discuss meal choices and whether recurring attacks change the treatment plan.