Understanding Gallstones: Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

What Are Gallstones?

Gallstones are small stones that develop within the gallbladder, a small organ located beneath the liver. The gallbladder stores bile, a digestive fluid that helps the body break down fats.

Gallstones can vary in size, from as small as a grain of sand to as large as a golf ball. Some people may have a single gallstone, while others develop several.

In many cases, gallstones do not cause symptoms and are only discovered during investigations for another health concern. However, if a gallstone blocks part of the biliary system, it can lead to pain and other symptoms that should not be ignored.

What Are the Symptoms of Gallstones?

One of the most common signs of gallstones is a sudden pain in the upper right-hand side of the abdomen, often referred to as a gallstone attack.

Symptoms may include:

• Sudden pain in the upper abdomen
• Pain beneath the ribs on the right-hand side
• Pain that may spread to the back or right shoulder
• Nausea or vomiting
• Bloating or indigestion after eating
• Discomfort following fatty meals

The pain can last from a few minutes to several hours and may come and go.

Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

While some episodes of gallstone pain may settle on their own, it’s important to seek medical advice if symptoms are recurring or becoming more severe.

Persistent Abdominal Pain – Ongoing or recurring pain in the upper abdomen should always be investigated. Repeated gallstone attacks can affect your quality of life and may indicate that treatment is needed.

Fever or Chills – If gallstones cause inflammation or infection of the gallbladder, symptoms such as fever, chills and increasing pain can develop. This requires prompt medical attention.

Yellowing of the Skin or Eyes – Jaundice, which causes the skin and whites of the eyes to appear yellow, can occur if a gallstone blocks a bile duct. This should never be ignored and requires urgent assessment.

Dark Urine or Pale Stools – Changes in urine or stool colour can also indicate a blockage within the biliary system and should be reviewed by a healthcare professional.

Severe or Sudden Pain – If you experience severe abdominal pain that does not improve, particularly if accompanied by fever, vomiting or jaundice, seek urgent medical advice.

Who Is More Likely to Develop Gallstones?

Anyone can develop gallstones, but certain factors may increase the risk, including:

• Being overweight
• Being over the age of 40
• Having a family history of gallstones
• Rapid weight loss
• Certain medical conditions
• Pregnancy

Having one or more risk factors does not necessarily mean you will develop gallstones, but it can increase the likelihood.

How Are Gallstones Diagnosed?

If gallstones are suspected, your consultant will discuss your symptoms and medical history before arranging appropriate investigations.

This may include:

• An ultrasound scan
• Blood tests
• Additional imaging if required

These tests can help confirm the presence of gallstones and determine whether treatment is necessary.

What Treatment Is Available?

Treatment depends on the severity of symptoms and the impact they are having on your daily life.

If gallstones are causing repeated symptoms, surgery to remove the gallbladder, known as a cholecystectomy, is often recommended. This is one of the most commonly performed procedures in the UK and is usually carried out using minimally invasive (keyhole) techniques.

Removing the gallbladder does not prevent you from living a normal, healthy life, and many patients experience significant relief from their symptoms following treatment.

When Should You Seek Professional Advice?

It’s always worth speaking to a healthcare professional if you are experiencing:

• Recurrent abdominal pain
• Symptoms after eating fatty foods
• Unexplained nausea
• Bloating and digestive discomfort
• Jaundice
• Fever alongside abdominal pain

Early assessment can help identify the cause of your symptoms and ensure appropriate treatment is provided.