Symptoms and signs of gallstones

What are gallstones?

First off, let's get an understanding of what gallstones really are. Gallstones are hard, pebble-like deposits that form inside the gallbladder, a small organ responsible for storing bile. The gallbladder releases bile, a digestive fluid, into the small intestine to aid digestion.

Gallstones form when bile stored in your gallbladder hardens into small, solid lumps. While tiny gallstones often initially cause no symptoms, larger stones can eventually lead to abdominal pain and serious complications.

Now, not all gallstones are created equal. Most gallstones are made of cholesterol, known as cholesterol stones. Rapid weight loss can sometimes lead to their formation, as the liver releases extra cholesterol into the bile.

Recognising the symptoms of gallstones

Ever felt a sudden, sharp pain in your upper abdomen? It might be more than just a bad stomach day. If you've been experiencing recurring episodes of abdominal pain, especially after indulging in a particularly fatty meal, gallstones could be the culprit.

Understanding gallstones symptoms is crucial for timely detection and treatment. Knowing what to look out for can help you spot these sneaky stones early on. So, what are the signs?

Common symptoms

• Pain in the upper abdomen: This is the most reported symptom of gallstones. It can start suddenly and quickly become intense, lasting for several hours
• Pain between the shoulder blades: Surprisingly, gallstones can sometimes manifest as pain between your shoulder blades
• Nausea or vomiting: You might feel nauseated or even vomit, particularly after meals
• Digestive complaints: Especially after indulging in a fatty meal, you might find yourself with indigestion or other digestive disturbances

Less common symptoms

However, gallstones have a sneaky side and can sometimes show symptoms that you wouldn't immediately associate with them:

• Change in stool or urine colour: If a gallstone blocks the common bile duct, stool might appear clay-coloured, and urine may turn dark
• Fever and chills: Indicating a potential infection in the gallbladder or ducts
• Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice): A sign that a stone is blocking the common bile duct

Gallbladder pain and attacks (Biliary colic)

One of the most common early symptoms of gallstones is sudden pain in the upper right area of your abdomen. This gallbladder pain, called biliary colic, occurs when a gallstone temporarily blocks the cystic duct leading from your gallbladder.

Biliary colic can cause moderate to severe pain that typically lasts from 30 minutes up to several hours. The abdominal pain often starts abruptly, building to a steady, severe aching sensation. It usually occurs just under your ribs on the right side, where your gallbladder sits. But the pain may also radiate through to your right shoulder blade or mid-back.

Gallbladder pain frequently follows the consumption of a high-fat or heavy meal. But biliary colic attacks can truly happen anytime, even waking you from sound sleep in the middle of the night. If you've ever experienced bad heartburn, gallbladder pain is more severe and lasts longer.

If a gallstone gets stuck for longer inside the gallbladder duct, it can cause inflammation and irritation. This leads to a condition called cholecystitis. Symptoms of an inflamed gallbladder include constant pain without relief, along with fever, chills, and nausea. The upper right section of your abdomen often becomes very tender to the touch when gently pressed on.

Jaundice

Another common symptom of gallstones is jaundice, which is the yellowing of your skin and the whites of your eyes. Jaundice occurs when a gallstone passes out of your gallbladder and gets lodged in the main bile duct leading to your intestines. The blocked duct prevents a material called bilirubin from draining out of your liver, causing it to build up in your bloodstream and tissues.

Bilirubin is a yellowish waste material that comes from old red blood cells that your liver is breaking down. Normally bilirubin passes into your intestines through bile ducts to be eliminated. But a gallstone obstruction causes blood levels to climb.

In addition to yellowed skin, symptoms of jaundice include:

• Urine that appears dark brown or orange
• Light-coloured stools
• Generalised itching

Seek prompt medical treatment whenever you notice any signs of jaundice.

Complications from gallstones – know the symptoms

Gallstone pancreatitis

One of the most serious potential complications of gallstones is acute gallstone pancreatitis. This happens when a gallstone escapes the gallbladder and lodges in the opening of your pancreatic duct. The blockage leads to inflammation and swelling of the pancreas.

Symptoms of gallstone pancreatitis include:

• Sudden, intense pain in the centre upper abdomen
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fever and chills

The abdominal pain often feels like a dull ache that radiates all the way through your abdomen and back. Seek emergency care immediately if you have these symptoms, as pancreatitis can rapidly become life-threatening if treatment is delayed.

Infected bile ducts

If gallstones fully obstruct your bile ducts, it increases the risk of the backed-up bile becoming infected. This leads to a condition called cholangitis or choledocholithiasis. Symptoms of an infected bile duct include:

• Abdominal pain, usually in the upper right area
• Fever with chills
• Jaundice
• Confusion and generally feeling ill

A bile duct infection requires prompt antibiotic treatment and drainage of the obstruction. Left untreated, it can spread rapidly and have catastrophic consequences. Cholangitis is considered a medical emergency needing urgent care.

Understanding the causes and risk factors

But what causes these stones to form in the first place? It's a combination of your body's chemistry, certain health conditions, and sometimes even rapid changes in weight.

Factors leading to gallstones formation

• Excess cholesterol in bile: The primary ingredient in most gallstones. If your liver excretes more cholesterol than your bile can dissolve, the excess cholesterol might form into crystals and eventually stones
• Excess bilirubin in bile: Sometimes, due to conditions like certain blood disorders, the liver will produce too much bilirubin—a chemical produced when the body breaks down red blood cells. This excess can contribute to stone formation
• Incomplete gallbladder emptying: If your gallbladder doesn't empty completely or often enough, bile might become overly concentrated, leading to stone formation

Conditions and situations increasing the risk

Certain conditions and life situations predispose some of us to gallstones more than others. Here are the risk factors:

• Liver disease: Liver conditions can disrupt the balanced production of bile, increasing the risk of gallstones
• Rapid weight loss: If you’re shedding pounds too quickly, your liver secretes extra cholesterol into the bile, which can lead to gallstones
• Blood disorders: Conditions that cause your body to break down red blood cells more rapidly than usual can lead to gallstone formation due to excess bilirubin

Understanding your body, identifying the symptoms early, and being aware of the risk factors are your best defences against gallstones. Regular check-ups and discussions with your healthcare provider can go a long way in keeping your gallbladder healthy and happy.

When to seek urgent medical help

In most cases, mild to moderate gallstone symptoms can wait to be evaluated during normal clinic hours. But not all gallstone symptoms are subtle, and some can be alarming and demand immediate attention. There are certain signs and symptoms that require urgent medical attention day or night:

• Unremitting gallbladder pain lasting more than 5 hours
• Fever over 100.4°F (38°C)
• Vomiting not relieved by pain medicines

If you are experiencing what feels like the worst abdominal pain ever, then it might be a gallbladder attack, where a gallstone blocks one of the ducts. These attacks can last a few minutes or even hours, and they're a sign you need medical attention.

Complications can arise, like inflammation of the gallbladder or a gallstone obstructing the flow of bile. If you're experiencing severe pain, accompanied by fever or even jaundice (yellowing of your skin or eyes), it's crucial to seek medical help urgently. These symptoms may indicate a severe complication, such as an infection or a stone lodged in a critical area.

Gallstones aren't something to take lightly. While they might start as a mild inconvenience, they have the potential to lead to more severe health issues if left unchecked. If you suspect you have gallstone symptoms, always consult with a healthcare professional.

In some cases, medications can slowly dissolve cholesterol gallstones. But these can take many months to work and have a high stone recurrence rate after stopping the drugs. Surgery leads to a definitive cure in most people with symptomatic gallstones.

Get treatment for your symptoms of gallstones

Gallstones might be tiny, but their impact on our well-being can be significant. Gallstones can cause serious complications if left untreated, including debilitating gallbladder attacks, infected bile ducts, and pancreatitis. Early prevention, detection and treatment are crucial for managing this condition effectively.

Getting prompt care for symptoms provides the best chance of preventing complications. Seek emergency help immediately for unremitting pain, vomiting, fever, or jaundice. Remember, addressing gallstones early leads to the best outcomes for you and your quality of life. If you suspect you’re experiencing gallstone symptoms, don’t hesitate or delay essential treatment if you develop symptoms.

Reach out to a specialist by booking an appointment online today or give us a call directly to take the first step towards a pain-free, healthier future.