Symptoms of Gallstones

Most gallstones cause no symptoms. When symptoms appear, they usually come from a stone blocking the outlet of the gallbladder or a bile duct.

Biliary colic

The typical symptom is a sudden, steady pain in the upper right or middle upper belly. It often:

• Starts after a heavy or fatty meal, often in the evening or at night
• Can spread to the right shoulder or back
• Builds quickly and lasts from 30 minutes to a few hours
• Comes with nausea or vomiting

It is not the same as gas pain, which usually comes and goes in waves and eases after passing wind.

Symptoms of complications

• Fever or chills with belly pain
• Yellow skin or eyes (jaundice), dark urine, pale stools
• Pain that lasts more than 5 hours
• Severe pain spreading to the back with repeated vomiting, which may mean pancreatitis

Other vague symptoms

Bloating, belching and discomfort after fatty food are common but are not specific to gallstones. Many other conditions cause them.

When to act

Pain that comes and goes should be checked by a doctor soon. Fever, jaundice, severe or lasting pain, or repeated vomiting needs same-day care. Call 112 or 102 if the pain is unbearable or you feel faint.

Silent stones

Many people never feel anything. A stone found by chance on an ultrasound, without pain, usually does not need surgery, but you should know the warning signs above so you can act early. Pain in the upper belly that returns after fatty meals deserves a doctor's review even if it settles by itself. Keep a note of when it happens and how long it lasts.