How common is abdominal pain in gallstones?

Gallstones are solid deposits that can form in the gallbladder. Pain may develop in the upper right or central abdomen and can be felt through to the back or right shoulder area. It may start after eating and can be accompanied by nausea or vomiting. Not everyone with gallstones has symptoms, and upper abdominal pain can also come from the stomach, bowel, pancreas, chest, or other organs.

Arrange a medical assessment for a first episode of suspected gallstone pain or a changing pattern. Write down where the pain starts, whether it spreads, its relationship to meals, and any vomiting, fever, dark urine, or pale stool. A clinician may use the history, examination, blood tests, or imaging to work out whether gallstones or another condition is causing the symptoms.

Seek urgent care for severe pain, pain with fever or chills, yellowing of the skin or eyes, persistent vomiting, or feeling faint. Prompt assessment is also needed for a swollen or rigid abdomen, black stools, blood in vomit or stool, chest pain, or breathlessness. These symptoms can signal a problem requiring timely treatment.

Ask whether the pain pattern is compatible with gallstones, what tests are useful, and whether there are signs of gallbladder or bile-duct irritation. Ask how to manage another episode safely and which symptoms mean you should seek urgent care.