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Symptoms of Gallstones

  • Gallstones are hard little particles that can form from a fluid made by the to digest fats, known as bile
  • Gallstones can form in the gallbladder and cause complications related to gallbladder inflammation
  • Gallstones can cause many complications such as a blocked bile duct or even bile duct disease
  • Symptoms of gallstones can be quite painful and if gallbladder polyps occur, life-threatening and serious


Below are some symptoms of gallstones that may occur. As with any ongoing symptom, it is best to seek advice from a medical professional for further investigation.

1. Severe pain in the upper portion of the abdominal region

The pain of gallbladder inflammation is significant and increases quickly. The pain can last for thirty minutes are up to several hours. Most people notice the pain approximately thirty minutes after consuming a high fatty meal full of grease. The pain is usually severe and long-lasting, while dull at times can radiate throughout the body. Most people report pain occurring at night that awakens them from sleep. Lying still on your back seems to provide some relief, but some report moving a bit helps speed the painful process of passing a stone. Seek medical attention right away if pain and symptoms of gallstones persist.

2. Pain in the right shoulder

Symptoms of gallstones may include pain in the right shoulder region. The pain may arise as an episode and often referred to as a gallbladder inflammation attack. If a person experiences a blocked bile duct they may experience abdominal pain that radiates into the right shoulder and back.

3. Pain in the back and in between the shoulder blades

Symptoms of gallstones may include pain in the back that radiates between the shoulder blades. The pain may arise as an episode and is often referred to as a gallbladder inflammation attack. If a person experiences bile duct disease they may experience abdominal pain accompanied with pain the back and shoulder blade region.

4. Jaundice or yellow-colored skin

Jaundice usually occurs when a person from bile duct disease. The yellow skin tone may also indicate that the person is experiencing other problems that need to be assessed by a medical professional right away. A blocked bile duct can cause yellow-colored skin or jaundice.

5. Nausea accompanied with or without vomiting

If the person experiences abdominal pain accompanied with nausea or vomiting, it is recommended that they get to the hospital right away. Nausea or vomiting are just some of the symptoms of gallstones that may occur.

6. Fever

Gallbladder polyps may bring with them fever symptoms. Chills or sweats may occur with the fever and medical attention is if a person experiences this with any other symptoms of gallstones. Pain in the abdomen accompanied with a fever can indicate gallbladder polyps and further investigation is required.

7. Intolerance of fatty or greasy foods

An intolerance of fatty or greasy foods may indicate problems with the gallbladder. If you notice that after the consumption of foods high in fat or grease you experience abdominal pain that lasts for a significant amount of time, it is best to see your physician for further investigation. This could indicate the onset of bile duct disease. Prevention is the key and by making modifications to your diet symptoms of gallstones can be eliminated before a full-blown attack occurs.

The information supplied in this article is not to be considered as medical advice and is for educational purposes only.

One Response to “Symptoms of Gallstones”

  1. 1
    Michael Scott Says:
    Feel like stomach is literally on fire! You cramp, feel like you are going to throw up. Stay away from dairy, spicy and greasy foods!! I had mine taken out 12 years ago, same day surgery, felt much better after wards! Hope your son is better soon!!!