Gallstones

What are gallstones?

Gallstones are small, hard pieces that form inside your gallbladder. Think of them like tiny pebbles. Your gallbladder is a small organ tucked under your liver that helps your body break down fatty foods.

Most people who have gallstones don't even know they have them because they don't cause any problems. But sometimes these stones can get stuck and cause pain.

What symptoms might you notice?

Many people with gallstones have no symptoms at all. But if a stone blocks one of the small tubes that carry bile (a liquid that helps digest fat), you might get:

Tummy pain that:

• Feels very bad
• Stays the same (doesn't come and go)
• Lasts more than 30 minutes, sometimes for hours
• Is in the middle of your tummy or just under your ribs on the right side
• Makes you feel sick or be sick

This type of pain has a medical name, but what matters is recognising when you need help.

When should you get urgent help?

Speak to your GP urgently or call NHS 111 if:

• You have tummy pain that lasts longer than 30 minutes

Call 999 or go to A&E straight away if you have:

• Sudden, very bad tummy pain
• Pain that spreads from your tummy to your back, and you're being sick
• A very high temperature, or you feel hot, cold or shivery
• Yellow skin or yellow whites of your eyes

Don't drive yourself to A&E - ask someone else to drive you or call 999 for an ambulance.

How are gallstones found?

Sometimes gallstones are spotted by chance during scans or X-rays for other health problems.

If you have symptoms, your GP might arrange:

• An ultrasound scan (like the scans pregnant women have)
• Blood tests

What treatments are available?

If your gallstones aren't causing problems, you might not need any treatment at all. Your doctor will keep an eye on them with check-ups.

You might need treatment if:

• Your gallstones are causing symptoms
• They're causing complications
• They're found in certain tubes connected to your gallbladder

The main treatment is an operation to remove your gallbladder. This might sound scary, but you can live normally without your gallbladder.

Sometimes doctors use a special thin tube with a tiny camera to clear stones from the tubes without major surgery.

While waiting for treatment

If you're waiting for an operation, you can:

• Take paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain
• Ask your GP about stronger pain relief if needed
• Try eating less fatty food
• Follow a low-fat diet

Who gets gallstones?

Gallstones are common. You might be more likely to get them if you:

• Are over 40
• Are a woman
• Are overweight
• Eat lots of fatty foods and not much fibre
• Have lost weight very quickly
• Have certain conditions like diabetes

Remember, having risk factors doesn't mean you will definitely get gallstones.

The key message

Most gallstones cause no problems, but it's important to know when to get help. Speak to your GP if you're worried about symptoms, especially tummy pain that won't go away.

---

Based on NHS.uk guidance. Written by Dr Krishnan Pasupathi, NHS GP.