What are the symptoms of gallstones?

Symptoms of gallstones vary from person to person. Some people may have no symptoms at all, while others may experience discomfort such as severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or indigestion.

Gallstones are hard masses formed by the crystallization of cholesterol, bile salts or calcium in bile. These masses may stay in the gallbladder or fall off and get stuck in the bile duct. If the stones are not moving, most people may not notice it; but when it blocks the bile duct or irritates the gallbladder, the symptoms will become obvious. The typical symptom is called biliary colic, which often occurs suddenly after eating. The pain is mostly concentrated in the right upper abdomen or the middle of the upper abdomen, and sometimes radiates to the right shoulder or back.

Mild symptoms may include bloating, belching, or abdominal discomfort after a fatty meal, but if the gallstones are stuck in the bile duct, they may cause severe pain, accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and even fever and jaundice. Some patients may also find that their stools become lighter and their urine darker, which is a sign of bile duct obstruction, which may even lead to cholecystitis or pancreatitis in severe cases.

In order to relieve symptoms or reduce the impact of gallstones, you should eat a light diet, avoid high fat and high cholesterol intake, and eat more vegetables, fruits and high-fiber foods. If symptoms are frequent or severe, it is recommended to see a doctor as soon as possible. The doctor may confirm the diagnosis through ultrasound and adjust the treatment plan according to the size and location of the stones.