Gallbladder stones are dangerous, hardened buildups of digestive fluid that can silently form in your gallbladder and strike without warning. Ignoring them can lead to severe pain or life-threatening complications. Here are the urgent causes and warning symptoms you must not overlook.
Common Causes:
- High cholesterol in bile
- Poor diet and obesity
- Genetics and certain medical conditions
Signs / Symptoms to watch out for:
1. Sudden Pain in the Upper Right Abdomen
It is one of the main symptoms, typically occuring after fatty meals. It may last for minutes or hours and often radiates to the back or right shoulder. This is called a “biliary colic” and is often the first sign of presence of gallstones.
2. Nausea and Vomiting
Persistent nausea, especially after eating, is another red flag. If vomiting accompanies abdominal pain, it could indicate a blocked bile duct.
3. Bloating, Excessive Burping, Indigestion
Gallstones can disrupt digestion and cause bloating, belching, or acid reflux.
4. Jaundice (Yellowish Tinge of Skin and Eyes)
If a gallstone blocks the common bile duct, it can cause bile buildup in the bloodstream, leading to jaundice—a serious condition needing urgent care. If not treated urgently it can lead to serious consequences.
5. Dark Urine and Pale Stools
These color changes indicate that your bile flow is obstructed. When bile can’t reach the intestines, stool loses its brown pigment and urine darkens.
6. Fever with or without Chills
A gallstone-related infection, such as cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder), often causes fever, chills, and tenderness in the abdomen. This is a medical emergency.
7. Pain After Eating Fatty Foods
If you feel discomfort or pain every time you eat fried or fatty meals, your gallbladder may not be functioning properly due to gallstones.
When To See A Doctor?
Gallbladder stones can quickly escalate from mild discomfort to severe complications. If you experience any of these symptoms especially a combination of symptoms, you should consult a healthcare professional promptly.
Dr. Vijay Kumar Singh
MBBS, MS, FMAS, DMAS, FIAGES
Miracare Hospital, Begusarai, Bihar
