What are the symptoms of gallstones?

Gallstones are solid deposits in the gallbladder. They may cause no symptoms, but a stone can obstruct a bile duct and trigger a steady or gripping pain beneath the ribs on the right or in the upper middle abdomen. Pain may spread to the back or right shoulder and can last for several hours. Indigestion, fullness, nausea or vomiting may occur, although these symptoms are not specific to gallstones.

A clinician may use an abdominal ultrasound to look for stones and assess the gallbladder. Pancreatitis is a possible complication when a stone blocks the drainage pathway, so severe or unusual pain needs prompt attention.

Note where the pain is, how long it lasts, what you ate beforehand, and whether vomiting or fever occurred. Arrange a GP consultation for repeated attacks, unexplained upper abdominal pain or digestive symptoms that continue. Do not assume every episode of indigestion is caused by gallstones; assessment helps separate gallbladder problems from stomach, liver or pancreatic conditions.

Seek urgent medical help for severe or persistent abdominal pain, fever, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, pale stools, repeated vomiting, faintness, or pain spreading to the back with marked illness. These signs can indicate infection, obstruction or pancreatitis.

Ask whether your symptoms fit gallstones, whether an abdominal ultrasound is appropriate, and which results would change treatment. Discuss what to do during another attack and which warning signs should send you to urgent care.