Overview
Gallstones are hard deposits that form in your gallbladder — a small organ under your liver that stores bile. They range from the size of a grain of sand to a golf ball. Many people have gallstones with no symptoms ("silent stones"), but when a stone blocks a bile duct, it causes sudden, intense pain called a gallbladder attack.
Symptoms
Sudden, intense pain in the upper right abdomen
Pain radiating to the right shoulder or back
Nausea and vomiting during an attack
Pain after fatty meals
Episodes lasting 30 minutes to several hours
Jaundice (yellowing of skin) if a duct is blocked
Common Causes
High cholesterol in bile
Obesity and rapid weight loss
Female sex, age over 40
Pregnancy
Diabetes
Family history
Self-Care Tips
Maintain a healthy weight — avoid crash diets
Eat a balanced diet rich in fiber
Limit fatty and fried foods
Exercise regularly
Get an abdominal ultrasound if you have risk factors
Don't skip meals — irregular eating increases risk
When to See a Doctor
See a doctor if you experience severe abdominal pain lasting more than a few hours, fever with chills, jaundice, or persistent nausea. Go to the emergency room if pain is extreme.
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