Gallstones (Gall Bladder Stones): Symptoms and Causes You Should Be Aware Of

What Are Gallstones?

Gallstones, also called gallbladder stones, are made up of cholesterol or bilirubin. They can be as small as a grain of sand or as large as a golf ball. Some people may have gallstones and never know it. Others may experience sudden pain, especially after eating fatty meals. This pain is often referred to as a gallstone attack.

Common Symptoms of Gallstones

Many people with gallstones don’t experience any symptoms. But when a stone blocks a bile duct, it can lead to discomfort or severe pain. Here are some common gallstone symptoms:

• Sudden pain in the upper right abdomen

• Pain that radiates to the right shoulder or back

• Nausea or vomiting

• Bloating and indigestion

• Pain after eating fatty foods

• Fever or chills (in case of infection)

This type of pain is also known as biliary colic. If you're wondering, “How do I know if I have gallstones?” then look out for these signs.

Gallstone pain can also:

• Begin soon after eating

• Wake you up from sleep

• Last anywhere from 15 minutes to a few hours

• Come and go over weeks, months, or even years

What Causes Gallstones?

There is no single reason for gallstone formation. However, some common causes of gallstones include:

1. Too Much Cholesterol in Bile

When your liver produces more cholesterol than your bile can dissolve, it can crystallize and form gallstones. Around 4 out of 5 gallstones are made of cholesterol.

2. Impaired Gallbladder Function

If your gallbladder doesn’t empty properly, bile may stay in the gallbladder too long and form stones.

3. High Bilirubin Levels

Bilirubin is a chemical produced when your body breaks down red blood cells. Liver diseases or infections can increase bilirubin and lead to pigment gallstones.

4. Obesity or Rapid Weight Loss

Obesity increases cholesterol levels in bile. On the other hand, losing weight too quickly can also lead to gallstone disease.

5. Hormonal Factors

Gallstones in women are more common due to estrogen. Pregnancy, hormone therapy, and birth control pills can increase the risk.

Gallstone Risk Factors: Who Is at Risk for Gallstones?

Some people are more likely to develop gallstones, such as:

• Women over 40

• People who are overweight

• Those with a family history of gallstones

• People with diabetes or liver disease

• Individuals on a high-cholesterol diet

When to See a Doctor

If you experience persistent pain, especially in the upper right abdomen after meals, consult your doctor. Gallstones without symptoms may not need treatment, but painful attacks require medical evaluation.

In some cases, gallstones can lead to complications like gallbladder inflammation or infection. Your doctor may suggest an ultrasound or other imaging tests to confirm the presence of stones.

Gallstones: Myths vs. Facts

Let’s bust some common myths about gallstones to separate truth from fiction:

Myth 1: Gallstones always cause pain. 

Fact: Many people with gallstones have atypical symptoms or no symptoms at all. These are called “silent gallstones” and may only be found during scans for other issues.

Myth 2: A low-fat diet will prevent all gallstones. 

Fact: While a balanced diet helps, gallstones can still form due to factors like hormones, genetics, and gallbladder motility, not just diet.

Myth 3: Gallstones can be melted with medication or home or natural remedies. 

Fact: Most gallstones don’t dissolve easily with medication, and home remedies are often ineffective. The gold standard for symptomatic gallstones is minimally invasive removal of the gallbladder.

Myth 4: Gallstones are always harmless. 

Fact: While many gallstones are silent, they can become dangerous if they block the bile duct or cause infection, pancreatitis, or gallbladder rupture. Complicated gallstone disease can be life-threatening if ignored.

Myth 5: Painkillers are enough to manage a gallstone attack. 

Fact: Painkillers may offer temporary relief, but they don’t treat the root cause. If the stone is stuck or infection sets in, surgery is usually needed—delaying treatment increases risks.

Myth 6: Gallstone pain always stays in the stomach. 

Fact: Pain can radiate to the back or shoulder, and in severe cases, mimic a heart attack. Misdiagnosis is common, especially in older adults or diabetics.

Myth 7: Surgery for complicated gallstones and elderly people is risky. 

Fact: Minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques are now the standard, even for complicated cases. In expert hands, surgery is reasonably safe, precise, and recovery is faster than ever before.

Myth 8: You don’t need surgery if the symptoms come and go. 

Fact: Recurrent attacks often signal worsening disease. Each episode increases the risk of gallbladder infection (cholecystitis), bile duct stones, or pancreatitis—all of which may require emergency surgery.

Myth 9: Gallbladder removal will mess up my digestion forever. 

Fact: Most people live perfectly normal lives after gallbladder surgery. Some may have temporary changes in bowel habits, but long-term side effects are rare.

Conclusion: Know the Signs Early

Gallstones are common but often silent. Knowing the early symptoms of gallstones and their causes can help you act early. Simple lifestyle changes, a balanced diet, and regular checkups can reduce your risk.

If you’ve experienced pain after eating or unexplained digestive issues, talk to a Gallbladder specialist at ALPS Clinic. 

Gallstone diagnosis and removal are available through advanced imaging and minimally invasive techniques at our center.

Identifying the signs of gallstones early with the help of a specialist can prevent bigger problems later.