The gallbladder is the storage reservoir of bile, a digestive fluid produced by the liver. An imbalance in bile can cause gallbladder stones. These stones vary in size, ranging from a tiny grain to even a golf ball. Sometimes, there are no symptoms at all. Other times, they block the duct, which can cause significant pain. In such situations, a gallbladder removal surgery might be the only option.

Even though gallbladder stones are a common digestive problem, many people ignore them. But ignoring them can lead to complications that cause grave issues. It can cause severe blockage and even move to other digestive organs. That is why it is crucial to know the gallbladder stones symptoms that you shouldn’t ignore. Let’s learn about them in detail, and the signs of gallstones.

What are Gallstones?

Bile is a crucial digestive fluid that is produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder. As the gallbladder contracts when you eat, bile is emptied into the duodenum, the first part of the small intestine. Sometimes, bile can harden and form a deposit inside your gallbladder. This deposit is what we call gallstones.

The size of gallstones can range from the size of a grain of sand to the size of a golf ball. In some cases, people develop only one gallstone, whereas in others, many gallstones develop at the same time.

If you experience symptoms because of gallstones, you may need surgery to remove your gallbladder. However, if there are no signs or symptoms, you may not need any treatment.

There are two types of gallstones that can be found in the gallbladder:

• Cholesterol gallstones: These are the most common types of gallstones. They are yellow in colour and are composed mainly of undissolved cholesterol and some other components.
• Pigment gallstones: Pigment gallstones are dark brown or black in colour. They get this colour when the bile contains too much bilirubin.

Why are Gallstones Formed?

While we do not know for sure why gallstones are formed, doctors believe that the following factors may contribute to their formation:

• Too much cholesterol in the bile: Under normal circumstances, bile contains enough chemicals to dissolve the cholesterol excreted by the liver. However, if the liver releases more cholesterol than the bile can dissolve, the excess cholesterol can form crystals that eventually develop into stones.
• Too much bilirubin in the bile: The liver produces bilirubin when red blood cells break down. Conditions such as liver cirrhosis, blood disorders, and biliary tract infections can increase bilirubin levels. Excess bilirubin may contribute to the formation of gallstones.
• The gallbladder is not emptying correctly: If the gallbladder does not empty frequently or completely, the bile may become concentrated, increasing the likelihood of gallstone formation.

Why is it Important to Treat Gallstones?

If gallstones are not treated, they can lead to several complications:

• Inflammation: A gallstone lodged in the neck of the gallbladder can cause cholecystitis, which may produce fever and severe pain in the upper-right abdomen.
• Blockage of the bile duct: When a gallstone blocks the bile duct, bile can back up into the liver, causing jaundice, upper abdominal pain, and, in some patients, an infection within the duct.
• Blockage of the pancreatic duct: A stone at the junction of the pancreatic and bile ducts can obstruct pancreatic drainage and trigger pancreatitis. This condition may be severe enough to require hospital admission.
• Gallbladder cancer: Although the overall risk is small, people with a history of gallstones may have an increased risk of developing gallbladder cancer.

Gallstone Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore

Gallstones often cause no signs or symptoms. However, if a stone blocks a duct, you may experience the following:

• Severe or intensifying pain in the upper-right side or centre of the abdomen
• Nausea or vomiting
• Back pain
• Pain in the right shoulder

Pain caused by gallstones can last from a few minutes to several hours. If you experience abdominal pain so severe that you cannot find a comfortable position, you should seek immediate medical care.

You should also consult a doctor if you develop symptoms of jaundice, such as yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes. A high fever accompanied by chills may indicate a serious gallstone complication and requires urgent medical attention.

Are There Any Risk Factors?

Yes, certain factors may make you more likely to develop gallstones:

• Being over the age of 40
• Being a woman, especially during pregnancy
• Being obese or living a sedentary lifestyle
• Eating a diet high in fat and cholesterol and low in fibre
• Having a personal or family history of gallstones
• Having liver disease
• Having diabetes
• Having certain blood disorders, such as leukaemia or sickle cell anaemia
• Experiencing rapid weight loss
• Taking medications containing oestrogen, such as hormone therapy drugs or oral contraceptives

Conclusion

Gallstone symptoms are easy to dismiss. The pain may come and go, meals may seem like the obvious cause, and many people wait to see whether the discomfort settles. Sometimes it does. However, recurring pain in the upper-right abdomen, nausea after eating fatty food, or yellowing of the skin and eyes should not be monitored at home.

These symptoms may point to a gallbladder problem and should be evaluated promptly. An ultrasound can help confirm the presence of gallstones.

The risk of waiting is not limited to prolonged discomfort. An untreated blocked bile duct can lead to infection or pancreatitis, both of which may require emergency treatment.

If the symptoms described in this article are familiar, book an appointment rather than waiting for the next episode.