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Gallstones

Condition Basics

What are gallstones?

Gallstones are stones that form in the gallbladder. The gallbladder is a small sac located just under the liver. It stores bile released by the liver. Bile helps you digest fats.

Gallstones form when cholesterol and other substances found in bile make stones. They can also form if the gallbladder doesn't empty as it should.

Gallstones can also form in the common bile duct or cystic duct. These tubes carry bile from the gallbladder and the liver to the small intestine.

Sometimes a thick material called "sludge" forms instead of stones. This can cause the same problems as gallstones.

If stones or sludge block a duct, treatment is usually needed.

What causes them?

Gallstones form when cholesterol and other substances found in bile, Opens dialog make stones. They can also form if the gallbladder doesn't empty as it should. Being overweight or having obesity or losing weight quickly may increase the risk of developing gallstones.

What are the symptoms?

Most people who have gallstones don't have symptoms. If you have symptoms, you may have pain in your stomach or the upper right part, Opens dialog of your belly. Pain may spread to your back or shoulder blade area. When gallstones block a bile duct, you may have pain, fever, chills, nausea, or vomiting.

How are they diagnosed?

Your doctor will do a physical exam and ask you questions about when the pain in your belly started, where it is, and if it comes and goes or is always there. If your doctor thinks you have gallstones, the doctor may order an abdominal ultrasound, Opens dialog or blood tests to confirm the diagnosis.

How are gallstones treated?

If you don't have symptoms, you probably don't need treatment. If you have more than one gallstone attack, or if you have problems from gallstones, you may need to have your gallbladder removed. Sometimes medicines can break up small gallstones.

How can you prevent them?

You can try to reduce your risk of forming gallstones.

  • Stay at a weight that's healthy for you. If you need to lose weight, your doctor and a dietitian can help you make a plan. Losing weight too quickly can increase the risk of gallstones.
  • Eat a variety of foods that give you the nutrients you need to stay healthy.
  • Get 30 minutes of exercise on most days of the week. For many people, walking is a good choice.

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Current as of: October 19, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.