Understanding Gallstones -- Symptoms

What Are the Symptoms of Gallstones?

Most people with gallstones do not have symptoms. Gallstones most frequently make their presence known when they become inflamed and lodged in one of the ducts that carry bile, a digestive juice, from the liver to the small intestine.

When such an obstruction occurs, you might experience the following:

• Severe and sudden pain in the upper right abdomen and possibly extending to the upper back
• Fever and shivering
• Severe nausea and vomiting
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
• Clay colored stools or dark urine

Biliary colic is a separate condition caused when a gallstone is temporarily blocking the bile duct. The gallbladder contracts, causing pain. Often, the condition happens after eating a fatty meal.

Call Your Doctor About Gallstones if:

Call your doctor about gallstones if:

• You have any of the above symptoms of acute gallbladder obstruction or infection.
• You notice jaundice; gallstones may be obstructing the bile duct, causing bile to back up into the liver and seep into your bloodstream.

Read more on: digestive disorders