Why does gallstones cause nausea?

The gallbladder stores bile, a digestive fluid released into the intestine after meals. A stone can intermittently block the outlet of the gallbladder or a bile duct. The resulting pressure and irritation can produce a wave of nausea, sometimes with pain beneath the right ribs or in the upper middle abdomen. Nausea is a common presentation of Gallstones, but nausea has many possible causes and needs to be considered with the full pattern of symptoms.

Episodes may be noticed after a rich meal because the gallbladder squeezes to release bile. Symptoms can settle when the blockage moves, then return with another episode.

Arrange a clinical review if nausea keeps returning, especially when it comes with upper abdominal pain after eating. Note when symptoms begin, what you ate, where any pain is felt, and whether you have fever or a change in urine or stool colour. A clinician may examine your abdomen and decide whether blood tests or an ultrasound are appropriate.

Until you are assessed, choose smaller meals if large or fatty meals seem to trigger symptoms, drink fluids in small frequent sips, and follow any medicine advice already given to you.

Seek urgent medical care for severe or persistent abdominal pain, repeated vomiting that prevents fluids staying down, fever or chills, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or very dark urine. These features can accompany a blocked bile duct or gallbladder infection and need prompt assessment.

Ask whether your symptoms fit a gallbladder episode, whether imaging is needed, and which warning signs should lead you to seek urgent help. If you use regular medicines, ask whether any may be worsening nausea or need adjustment.