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Customer question:

What are the symptoms of gallstones? Anonymous customer's question

Pharmacist's answer:

Gallstones are hard particles in the gallbladder, a small organ below the liver that stores bile. Bile is a digestive fluid that helps digest fats. Gallstones can vary in size and composition, but the most common are cholesterol and pigment stones, which are caused by excess bilirubin.

Symptoms of gallstones can vary greatly depending on the size, number, and location of the stones, as well as whether they cause obstruction or infection.

The most common symptom of gallstones is pain, known as a gallstone attack. This pain usually occurs in the upper right of the abdomen but can spread to the back or right shoulder. The pain often comes on suddenly and can be very intense. Attacks of pain often occur after a meal, especially after meals rich in fat. The pain can last from a few minutes to a few hours.

Gallstones can cause other symptoms in addition to pain. Among them are nausea and vomiting, which are often associated with bilious attacks. Bloating, a feeling of fullness or discomfort in the abdomen, is also common. Some people may experience indigestion, such as heartburn, gas, and discomfort after meals.

If gallstones cause blockage of the bile ducts, more severe symptoms may occur. Blockages can lead to inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis), which causes severe pain, fever, and chills. Constipation can also cause jaundice, which means the skin and the whites of the eyes turn yellow due to the accumulation of bilirubin in the blood. Dark urine and light stools can indicate that bile is not reaching the digestive tract due to blockage.

In rare cases, gallstones can cause inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), which causes severe pain in the upper abdomen, often radiating to the back, and is often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and fever.

Do all gallstones hurt?

No, not all gallstones cause pain. Many people have gallstones without even knowing it, as they are often asymptomatic. These stones are called "silent" gallstones. Silent gallstones usually do not cause any problems and do not require treatment. Pain and symptoms are caused by gallstones when they block the bile ducts or cause gallbladder inflammation.

Here are some situations in which gallstones can cause pain:

• Bile duct blockage: If a gallstone blocks the cystic duct (which leads from the gallbladder) or the common bile duct (which carries bile into the small intestine), it can cause a biliary attack or colic. This is severe pain in the upper right of the abdomen, which can spread to the back or right shoulder.

• Inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis): when a stone remains in the cystic duct, it can cause inflammation and infection of the gallbladder. This condition causes severe and persistent pain, fever, nausea and vomiting.

• Inflammation of the bile ducts (cholangitis): If a gallstone blocks the common bile duct and causes inflammation or infection, cholangitis can occur. Symptoms include severe abdominal pain, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), and fever.

• Pancreatitis: A gallstone that moves into the pancreatic duct can cause pancreas inflammation, known as pancreatitis. This causes severe pain in the upper abdomen, which can spread to the back, as well as nausea, vomiting, and fever.

Although not all gallstones cause pain, monitoring any symptoms that could indicate complications is essential. People with asymptomatic gallstones usually do not need treatment. Still, depending on the severity and nature of their problems, those who experience symptoms or complications are often recommended to have their gallbladder removed surgically (cholecystectomy) or undergo other treatments.

If you notice symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, jaundice, fever, or nausea, it is recommended to consult a doctor.

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