Gallstones: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

Gallstones are hardened deposits in the gallbladder that may cause pain or block the flow of bile.

The gallbladder stores bile, a fluid involved in digestion. Some gallstones remain silent, while others move into a duct and trigger symptoms or inflammation.

Abdominal pain and jaundice are very common presentations of gallstones. Indigestion, nausea and vomiting are also common presentations. Pain may be felt in the upper right or central abdomen and can follow a meal, although its pattern varies.

Seek urgent assessment for fever with abdominal pain, yellowing of the eyes or skin, dark urine, persistent vomiting, or pain that is severe or worsening. These symptoms can signal a blocked duct or infection.

Gallstones can form when substances in bile become concentrated and crystallise. They may be made mainly from cholesterol or pigment. A stone can cause no problem until it blocks the normal movement of bile.

Gallbladder emptying, bile composition and individual health factors all influence stone formation.

Silent gallstones may be found incidentally and may not require treatment. Recurrent painful episodes or a stone in a bile duct calls for clinical review, because obstruction can lead to inflammation of the gallbladder, bile ducts or pancreas.

Gallstones are associated with changes in bile composition and with some metabolic, hormonal and family factors. Weight changes can also affect risk. A clinician considers your overall health rather than relying on one risk factor.

A clinician will ask about the pain, meals, previous episodes and symptoms such as fever or jaundice. An abdominal examination and blood tests can help look for inflammation or bile-duct blockage.

Ultrasound is commonly used to look at the gallbladder and may show stones or changes suggesting inflammation. Further imaging may be needed if a stone in a bile duct is suspected.

Treatment depends on symptoms, complications and where a stone is located. Pain relief and treatment for infection may be needed during an acute episode. When gallstones repeatedly cause symptoms, surgery to remove the gallbladder may be discussed.

A stone blocking a bile duct may need a procedure to clear the duct. Your care team can explain the expected benefits, recovery and alternatives for your situation.

Until you have been assessed, note which meals and activities occur before pain. Smaller meals and avoiding foods that reliably trigger discomfort may make symptoms easier to manage, but they do not remove an obstructing stone.

A blocked duct can cause gallbladder inflammation, bile-duct infection or pancreatitis. Fever, chills, jaundice, severe pain or repeated vomiting should be treated as urgent warning signs.

There is no certain way to prevent every gallstone. Maintaining regular meals, choosing a balanced diet and discussing safe weight changes with a clinician can support overall digestive and metabolic health.

A GP can evaluate new upper abdominal pain and arrange testing or referral. Emergency assessment is appropriate for urgent warning signs, particularly pain with fever or jaundice.