Gallstones (Cholelithiasis)
Gallstones are hardened deposits of digestive fluid that can form in your gallbladder. While many people don't notice them, they can cause significant pain if they block a bile duct.
Overview
Gallstones are hardened deposits of digestive fluid that can form in your gallbladder. While many people don't notice them, they can cause significant pain if they block a bile duct.
Understand this condition
The gallbladder stores bile, a fluid produced by the liver to digest fats. When the chemical balance of this bile is off, solid crystals can form and grow into stones.
Why it happens
Stones form when bile contains too much cholesterol or bilirubin, or when the gallbladder doesn't empty fully. If a stone blocks a drainage duct, pressure builds up, causing pain and inflammation.
Real-world scenarios
- •This often appears as sudden, sharp pain after a fried meal.
- •People may notice a dull ache in the upper right abdomen.
- •This frequently involves pain that radiates to the right shoulder blade.
- •Some people experience nausea that occurs shortly after eating.
Common vs serious explanations
- •Occasional indigestion after eating heavy meals
- •Mild gas or bloating after dietary changes
- •Muscle strain in the upper abdomen
- Cholecystitis, which is inflammation of the gallbladder
- Pancreatitis caused by a blocked pancreatic duct
- Cholangitis, a serious infection of the bile ducts
- Bile duct obstruction preventing bile flow to the intestines
Symptoms
Click any symptom to analyzeNo symptoms mapped yet.
Causes
- •Excess cholesterol in the bile
- •Too much bilirubin in the bile
- •Gallbladder not emptying correctly
Risk factors
- •Being female
- •Age 40 or older
- •Obesity or being overweight
- •Rapid weight loss
- •Family history of gallstones
How it progresses
3 stages- OnsetSymptoms appear, often triggered by a known cause.Often missed
- Active phaseSymptoms peak; self-care or short treatment usually helps.
- ResolutionSymptoms ease over days to weeks with proper care.
How it's diagnosed
- •Abdominal ultrasound
- •CT scan
- •HIDA scan (cholescintigraphy)
- •Blood tests for infection or jaundice
Treatment options
General educational information only — no dosage advice. Always follow guidance from a qualified clinician.
- •Watchful waiting for asymptomatic stones
- •Gallbladder removal surgery (cholecystectomy)
- •Medications to dissolve stones
- •Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
- •Low-fat healthy diet
- •Maintaining a healthy weight
- •Hydration
- •Over-the-counter pain management (if advised)
Complications
- •Reduced quality of life
- •Worsening symptoms over time
- •Recurrence of gallstones (cholelithiasis)
Prevention
- •Maintain a healthy lifestyle
- •See a clinician for routine check-ups
When to seek help
- •Symptoms persist beyond a few days
- •Symptoms interfere with daily activities
- •New or worsening symptoms appear
- •Concerning changes related to gallstones (cholelithiasis)
- High fever and chills
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Intense, steady abdominal pain
- Nausea and persistent vomiting
In any emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department.
Real-world questions
- ›Can Gallstones (Cholelithiasis) cause headaches?
- ›Is Gallstones (Cholelithiasis) reversible?
- ›How quickly does Gallstones (Cholelithiasis) progress?
- ›Is Gallstones (Cholelithiasis) hereditary?
- ›Can Gallstones (Cholelithiasis) be prevented?
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Frequently asked questions
Possible causes of Gallstones (Cholelithiasis) include Excess cholesterol in the bile, Too much bilirubin in the bile, Gallbladder not emptying correctly.
Gallstones (Cholelithiasis) is generally moderate, but severity can vary. Seek care if symptoms are severe or persistent.
Duration varies between individuals. Many cases improve with appropriate care, while others may persist longer and require ongoing management.
Some milder cases may improve with rest and self-care. If symptoms persist or worsen, consult a healthcare professional.
Consider seeing a clinician if symptoms are severe, persistent, worsening, or if you have any concerns related to general.
Sources
Information based on general medical references such as:
Last reviewed: May 2026