What should you know about small gallstones?

Gallstones are solid pieces that form in the gallbladder, a small organ that stores bile. Their size does not alone predict whether they will cause trouble. Some are found during a scan for another reason and cause no symptoms. Others move into a bile duct, where they can trigger cramping pain or inflammation.

A gallbladder attack often causes pain in the upper right or central abdomen, sometimes after a rich meal, and the discomfort may travel toward the back or shoulder. Indigestion, nausea or vomiting can occur, but these symptoms have many possible causes. Gallstones can rarely contribute to pancreatitis, which needs urgent care.

Record where the pain starts, how long it lasts, what you had eaten, and whether nausea, vomiting, fever or yellowing of the skin appeared. Avoid foods that clearly trigger symptoms while you arrange a review, but do not follow a severely restricted diet without advice. A GP Consultation can review your scan, symptoms and medical history and discuss whether monitoring or treatment is suitable.

Do not assume that a symptom is caused by a gallstone simply because stones were seen. A clinician may need to consider reflux, indigestion and other abdominal conditions.

Seek urgent medical help for severe or persistent abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, fever or chills, yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, pale stools, faintness, or pain with marked tenderness. These signs can indicate blocked bile flow, infection or pancreatitis. Prompt assessment is also sensible when attacks recur or interfere with eating and daily activities. See Gallstones for broader information about the condition.

Were the stones in my gallbladder or a bile duct? Do my symptoms fit biliary pain? Do I need repeat imaging or blood tests? Which foods should I limit, and what symptoms should send me to urgent care?