Symptoms & Causes of Gallstones - NIDDK (2024)

What are the symptoms of gallstones?

If gallstones block your bile ducts, bile could build up in your gallbladder, causing a gallbladder attack, sometimes called biliary colic. Gallbladder attacks usually cause pain in your upper right abdomen, sometimes lasting several hours. Gallbladder attacks often follow heavy meals and usually occur in the evening or during the night. If you’ve had one gallbladder attack, more attacks will likely follow.

Gallbladder attacks usually stop when gallstones move and no longer block the bile ducts. However, if any of your bile ducts stay blocked for more than a few hours, you may develop gallstone complications. Gallstones that do not block your bile ducts do not cause symptoms.

Symptoms & Causes of Gallstones - NIDDK (1)

Silent gallstones

Most people with gallstones do not have symptoms. Gallstones that do not cause symptoms are called silent gallstones. Silent gallstones don’t stop your gallbladder, liver, or pancreas from working, so they do not need treatment.

Seek care right away for a gallbladder attack

See a doctor right away if you are having these symptoms during or after a gallbladder attack:

  • pain in your abdomen lasting several hours
  • nausea and vomiting
  • fever—even a low-grade fever—or chills
  • yellowish color of your skin or whites of your eyes, called jaundice
  • tea-colored urine and light-colored stools

These symptoms may be signs of a serious infection or inflammation of the gallbladder, liver, or pancreas. Gallstone symptoms may be similar to symptoms of other conditions, such as appendicitis, ulcers, pancreatitis, and gastroesophageal reflux disease, all of which should be treated by a doctor as soon as possible.

Gallstone complications can occur if your bile ducts stay blocked. Left untreated, blockages of the bile ducts or pancreatic duct can be fatal.

What causes gallstones?

Gallstones may form if bile contains too much cholesterol, too much bilirubin, or not enough bile salts. Researchers do not fully understand why these changes in bile occur. Gallstones also may form if the gallbladder does not empty completely or often enough. Certain people are more likely to have gallstones than others because of their risk factors for gallstones, including obesity and certain kinds of dieting.

Symptoms & Causes of Gallstones - NIDDK (2024)

FAQs

Symptoms & Causes of Gallstones - NIDDK? ›

Gallstones may cause no signs or symptoms. If a gallstone lodges in a duct and causes a blockage, the resulting signs and symptoms may include: Sudden and rapidly intensifying pain in the upper right portion of your abdomen. Sudden and rapidly intensifying pain in the center of your abdomen, just below your breastbone.

What is the number one symptom of gallstones? ›

Gallstones may cause no signs or symptoms. If a gallstone lodges in a duct and causes a blockage, the resulting signs and symptoms may include: Sudden and rapidly intensifying pain in the upper right portion of your abdomen. Sudden and rapidly intensifying pain in the center of your abdomen, just below your breastbone.

What organ does gallstones affect? ›

Blockage by gallstones may cause swelling or infection in the: Gallbladder (cholecystitis) Tube that carries bile from the liver to the gallbladder and intestines (cholangitis) Pancreas (pancreatitis)

What food melts gallstones? ›

Green vegetables and fruits: Vegetables and fruits are always best for your body. But there are some specific vegetables and fruits that help you to dissolve your Gallstones. Foods that contain Vitamin B, Vitamin C, and calcium are best for patients with gallbladder stones.

What causes gallstones to flare up? ›

If they get big enough, these stones can block bile from flowing out. That can lead to a gallstone attack, which may feel like a sudden pain in the upper right part of your belly. These attacks often happen after a big steak dinner or other fatty meals, and they can last many hours.

What can be mistaken for gallbladder pain? ›

Sometimes, it can be difficult to tell whether your gallbladder is the source of your abdominal pain. This is usually because a number of things can cause localised pain in the upper abdomen, including a stomach (gastric) ulcer, acid reflux or a heart attack.

What foods should you avoid if you have gallstones? ›

A Gallbladder Diet focuses on eating small or moderate meals and avoiding all fried and fatty groups, dressing and condiments, and certain vegetables including Asparagus, corn, cucumbers, green peppers, radishes, cabbage, sauerkraut, onions, and garlic.

What part of your body hurts when you have gallstones? ›

Gallstones can cause sudden, severe abdominal pain that usually lasts 1 to 5 hours (although it can sometimes last just a few minutes). The pain can be felt: in the centre of your abdomen (tummy) just under the ribs on your right-hand side – it may spread from here to your side or shoulder blade.

What not to drink with gallbladder problems? ›

Yes, research shows people who drink a lot of soda and other sugar-sweetened drinks also tend to have more gallbladder problems, including gallbladder cancer. Cutting sweet drinks could reduce symptoms as well as lower your risk for these problems.

How do you get rid of gallstones without surgery? ›

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is a nonsurgical alternative to manage gallstones.

Can drinking lots of water remove gallstones? ›

A very effective way to dissolve gallstones naturally is by staying hydrated. Drinking at least six to eight glasses of water per day helps in keeping the bile production smooth.

What is the best drink to get rid of gallstones? ›

A gallbladder cleanse may involve fasting most of the day and consuming tablespoons of olive oil and lemon juice in the evening. Another version of the cleanse involves consuming only apple juice and vegetable juice throughout the day, then taking olive oil and lemon juice in the evening.

Is coffee good for gallstones? ›

While sipping on coffee might help keep gallstones at bay, it's a different story if you already have them. Caffeine, the natural stimulant found in coffee, causes the gallbladder to tighten up. If you have gallstones, this can cause pain.

What's the worst thing for your gallbladder? ›

Fatty, sugary, processed foods are the worst foods to eat when your gall bladder is acting up. Eating plenty of fruits, vegetables and legumes will help reduce the frequency and severity of your gallbladder attacks. Diets high in fat and cholesterol may contribute to the development of gallstones.

What is the biggest cause of gallstones? ›

What causes gallstones? Gallstones may form if bile contains too much cholesterol, too much bilirubin, or not enough bile salts.

What does passing a gallstone feel like? ›

When they try to pass through the tiny bile duct to the small intestine, inflammation and severe pain set in. Lasting from a few minutes to a few hours, the pain can feel like indigestion or similar to a feeling of fullness. Additional symptoms include: Severe abdominal pain, with no relief from pain relievers.

What are the odd symptoms of gallstones? ›

Uncommon symptoms like chest pain, high fever with chills, gas, bloating, itching, diarrhea, and skin swelling may be caused by complications of gallstones or by other types of gallbladder disease. It is not uncommon for these symptoms to be mistaken for other medical conditions.

Do you feel sick all the time with gallstones? ›

Gallstones rarely become a severe health concern but may cause bouts of persistent abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Gallstone attack symptoms may cause fever and jaundice and require immediate medical attention. Consult a healthcare provider if you have gallstone symptoms.

What is the most common indicator that a gallstone is a serious problem? ›

Seek care right away for a gallbladder attack

pain in your abdomen lasting several hours. nausea and vomiting. fever—even a low-grade fever—or chills. yellowish color of your skin or whites of your eyes, called jaundice.

What drinks irritate the gallbladder? ›

Soft Drinks: Sugar and carbonation in soft drinks hamper the normal function of the gallbladder. Water is your best beverage option for its many health benefits and because it detoxifies impurities that impact your gallbladder. Stay hydrated and drink enough water to clear the impurities.

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