What does vomiting feel like with gallstones?

Vomiting is a common presentation of Gallstones and may come with intense upper-right abdominal pain, nausea, or pain after eating. The discomfort can spread toward the back or right shoulder. Nausea may build during a painful episode, and vomiting may not relieve the abdominal pain.

Gallstones can block the flow of bile from the gallbladder. This can trigger a gripping or steady pain beneath the right ribs or in the upper middle abdomen. Fatty meals may bring on symptoms, although an episode can occur at other times. Vomiting alone cannot identify the cause, because stomach infections, medicines, and other abdominal problems can feel similar.

Take small, frequent sips of water or an oral rehydration drink if you can keep fluids down. Rest and avoid alcohol and rich or greasy foods until the episode settles. Do not take leftover antibiotics or someone else’s medicine. Arrange a medical assessment if episodes recur, especially when pain follows meals or you notice yellowing of the eyes or skin.

Seek urgent medical help for severe or persistent upper-abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, fever, a swollen abdomen, faintness, confusion, or blood or coffee-ground material in vomit. Yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, or pale stools can signal a bile-flow problem and also need prompt assessment. Call emergency services if you become very weak, cannot stay awake, or cannot keep fluids down.

Ask whether your symptoms fit gallbladder pain, whether you need an examination or imaging, and which foods or medicines to avoid while waiting. Tell the clinician when the pain and vomiting began, what you ate beforehand, and whether you have fever, jaundice, or similar previous attacks.