How to Recognize Symptoms of Gallstones

Gallstones occur when cholesterol or calcium deposits create tiny stones in the gallbladder. This condition can be serious or mild. In fact, some sufferers are unaware of a gallstone, and some stones don’t require treatment. Still, it’s important to recognize common symptoms and treat the condition.

Instructions

• 1

  Determine if you experience ongoing indigestion. Certain foods cause indigestion, especially fatty-foods. However, people who have gallstones may deal with indigestion after every meal. Symptoms of indigestion include abdominal bloating and chest pains.

• 2

  Know that gallstones cause gallbladder pain. Pain generally occurs in the upper-right section of the abdomen, and the pain may be dull or severe. On average, pain begins about an hour after eating, and it may continue for 30 minutes to several hours. If left untreated, gallstones can result in a gallbladder attack.

• 3

  Recognize nausea and vomiting as a symptom. Aside from indigestion, some sufferers also deal with acid reflux. As a result, gallstones cause nausea, and sometimes, vomiting. Since vomiting can indicate an upcoming gallbladder attack, it’s imperative to seek medical attention if you suspect a gallstone.

• 4

  Monitor any fevers. During severe cases, some sufferers develop a mild or low-grade fever. Persons who have upper abdominal pain accompanied by a fever should seek medical attention.

• 5

  Discern yellowing of the skin (jaundice) or yellow-colored stool. Sometimes, gallstones can travel outside the gallbladder and enter the bile duct that leads to the intestines and the pancreas. This is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition. When this occurs, sufferers may develop jaundice, have yellow stools, high fever and severe pain.