Gallstones: 7 Signs You Shouldnt Ignore
Gallstone pain can come on suddenly, often after a meal, and it can be easy to mistake it for indigestion. While some gallstones cause no symptoms, others can block the normal flow of bile and lead to pain, inflammation, or infection.
This guide explains what gallstones are, the warning signs to watch for, and when to seek medical care. It is general information only and should not replace personalised advice from your doctor.
What are gallstones?
The gallbladder is a small pouch that sits under the liver. Its job is to store bile, a digestive fluid that helps break down fats.
Gallstones are hard deposits that form inside the gallbladder. They can be as small as grains of sand or larger like pebbles. Some people have one stone, while others have many.
Many gallstones do not cause symptoms. Problems usually occur when a stone blocks the opening of the gallbladder or a bile duct. This can trigger pain, inflammation, infection, or jaundice.
What causes gallstones to form?
Gallstones can form when the balance of substances in bile changes. Most commonly, bile contains too much cholesterol, which can harden into stones over time.
Other factors can also play a role, including:
A gallbladder that does not empty properly
Family history of gallstones
Being overweight
Rapid weight loss
Pregnancy
Some medical conditions affecting the liver or blood
Increasing age
Having risk factors does not mean you will definitely develop gallstones. It simply means the chance may be higher.
The 7 signs of gallstones you should not ignore
1. Pain in the upper right abdomen
The most common symptom is pain in the upper right part of the abdomen, just below the ribs. This pain may feel sharp, cramping, or deep and steady.
It often comes in waves and may last from minutes to several hours. If the pain is severe or ongoing, it should be assessed.
2. Pain after eating fatty foods
Gallbladder pain often starts after eating a rich or fatty meal. This happens because the gallbladder squeezes to release bile for digestion. If a stone blocks the exit, pressure builds and pain can follow.
Common triggers may include fried foods, creamy sauces, fatty meats, or heavy takeaway meals.
3. Nausea and vomiting
Nausea can occur during a gallbladder attack. Some people also vomit, especially when the pain is intense.
Because nausea and vomiting can have many causes, the pattern matters. Nausea with upper abdominal pain after meals may point towards gallstones.
4. Pain spreading to the back or shoulder
Gallstone pain does not always stay in one spot. It may spread to the right shoulder blade, the middle of the back, or between the shoulder blades.
This referred pain can be confusing, but it is a recognised gallbladder symptom.
5. Bloating and indigestion
Some people describe a heavy, bloated, or uncomfortable feeling after eating. Others notice burping, indigestion, or fullness that seems out of proportion to the meal.
These symptoms are common and not always caused by gallstones. If they occur with right upper abdominal pain, they are worth discussing with a doctor.
6. Fever or chills
Fever, chills, and worsening abdominal pain may mean the gallbladder has become inflamed or infected. This can occur when a stone blocks the gallbladder for too long.
This is not something to “wait out” at home. Infection can become serious without prompt treatment.
7. Jaundice
Jaundice means yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes. It can also cause dark urine, pale stools, and itchiness.
With gallstones, jaundice may develop when a stone blocks the main bile duct. This needs urgent medical assessment.
When gallstone symptoms need urgent attention
Seek urgent medical care, or call emergency services, if you have:
Severe abdominal pain that does not settle
Pain lasting more than a few hours
Fever or chills
Yellow skin or eyes
Persistent vomiting
Confusion, fainting, or feeling very unwell
These signs may suggest infection, a blocked bile duct, or inflammation of the pancreas. Early care can reduce the risk of complications.
How gallstones are diagnosed
A doctor will usually begin by asking about your symptoms, when they happen, and whether meals trigger them. They may examine your abdomen and check for tenderness.
Common tests include:
Abdominal ultrasound This is the main test used to look for gallstones. It is painless and does not use radiation.
Blood tests These can check for signs of infection, inflammation, liver irritation, or blocked bile flow.
Further imaging In some cases, CT, MRI, or specialised bile duct imaging may be needed, especially if a bile duct stone is suspected.
Treatment options for gallstones
Treatment depends on your symptoms, test results, and overall health.
Watchful waiting
If gallstones are found by chance and are not causing symptoms, treatment may not be needed straight away. Your doctor may recommend monitoring and reviewing if symptoms develop.
This approach is only suitable when there are no warning signs of complications.
Laparoscopic gallbladder surgery
For repeated gallbladder attacks, inflammation, or complications, surgery is often recommended. The most common procedure is laparoscopic cholecystectomy, which means removing the gallbladder through small cuts using a camera and fine instruments.
The body can still digest food without the gallbladder. Bile flows directly from the liver into the small bowel instead of being stored.
Dr. Zeev Duieb, General Surgeon in Melbourne, can explain whether surgery is appropriate and what to expect before, during, and after the procedure.
Recovery after gallbladder surgery
Recovery varies, but many people return to light activities within a short time after laparoscopic surgery. Some discomfort around the small incision sites is expected and usually improves steadily.
During recovery, your surgeon may advise:
Gentle walking as soon as it is safe
Avoiding heavy lifting for a short period
Eating lighter meals at first
Slowly returning to normal foods
Watching for fever, increasing pain, redness, or wound discharge
Some people notice temporary changes in bowel habits after gallbladder removal, especially with fatty foods. This often improves as the body adjusts.
Frequently asked questions
Can gallstones go away on their own?
Gallstones usually do not disappear on their own. Some may never cause symptoms, but symptomatic gallstones often recur.
Do all gallstones need surgery?
No. Silent gallstones may only need observation. Surgery is usually considered when gallstones cause pain, inflammation, infection, or blockage.
Is gallbladder surgery major surgery?
Laparoscopic gallbladder removal is a common keyhole operation. It is still surgery, so it requires proper assessment, anaesthesia, and recovery advice.
Can I live normally without a gallbladder?
Yes. Most people live well without a gallbladder. The liver continues to make bile, and digestion usually adjusts over time.
What should I eat if I have gallstone symptoms?
It may help to avoid very fatty or fried foods while waiting for medical review. If symptoms are severe, worsening, or linked with fever or jaundice, seek urgent care.
Gallstone symptoms can be painful and unsettling, but they are also very treatable once properly assessed. If you have upper abdominal pain after meals, nausea, pain spreading to the back or shoulder, fever, or jaundice, do not ignore it.
To discuss your symptoms and treatment options, book a consultation with Dr. Zeev Duieb, General Surgeon in Melbourne. A clear diagnosis can help you decide on the safest and most appropriate next step.
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