Symptoms of Gallstones: What to Watch For

Sharp pain under the ribs on your right side after a greasy meal? That’s the most common red flag people notice. Gallstones can sit quietly for years or cause sudden, intense symptoms. Knowing the typical signs helps you get the right care fast.

Common symptoms

Here are the main symptoms people with gallstones report:

• Intense upper-right abdominal pain — often starts suddenly, may last 30 minutes to several hours. Pain can radiate to the back or right shoulder blade.
• Nausea and vomiting — frequently happen with the pain, especially after rich or fatty meals.
• Indigestion, bloating, or gas — ongoing discomfort after eating is common, though not specific to gallstones.
• Jaundice — yellowing of the skin or eyes suggests a stone may be blocking the bile duct. This needs prompt attention.
• Fever and chills — if a stone causes infection (acute cholecystitis), fever often appears and is a sign to see a doctor urgently.
• Dark urine or pale stools — indicate bile flow is blocked and should be checked by a clinician.

Not everyone with gallstones has all these signs. Some people have mild, infrequent symptoms; others get a sudden, severe episode called biliary colic.

When to get help and what to expect

Call your doctor or go to the ER if you have severe, constant abdominal pain, fever with pain, persistent vomiting, or jaundice. Those symptoms can point to complications that need quick treatment.

At the clinic you’ll likely get a focused exam, blood tests (to check for infection or liver/bile duct problems), and an ultrasound — the most common test to spot gallstones. If the bile duct is suspected to be blocked, doctors may use an ERCP or MRCP scan. A HIDA scan can check gallbladder function.

Treatment depends on symptoms. If stones are not causing trouble, many people just watch and wait. For repeated pain or complications, the usual fix is laparoscopic cholecystectomy (removal of the gallbladder). Stones stuck in the bile duct may be removed with ERCP. If infection is present, antibiotics and urgent surgery or drainage may be needed.

Simple steps can lower risk: avoid crash diets, aim for steady weight loss, eat balanced meals with fiber and healthy fats, and stay active. If you’ve had a scary episode, talk with your doctor about whether surgery is the right choice for you.

Got sudden severe pain or yellowing of the skin? Don’t wait — get checked. Early diagnosis avoids complications and gets you back to feeling normal sooner.