What are the symptoms of gallstones?

Approximately 80% of individuals with gallstones do not have any symptoms of gallstones. They are said to have "silent" gallstones, because they do not suffer any pain.

For the other approximate 20% of individuals with gallstones, they can have intense pain, and this is often referred to as a "gallbladder attack." These gallbladder attacks will most often occur after a person eats a fatty meal, though they can occur at other times, such as during the night.

Symptoms of Gallstones

Symptoms of gallstones can include:

• Pain in the upper abdomen that rapidly worsens and can last from a few minutes to several hours
• Pain in the back between the shoulder blades
• Pain under the right shoulder
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Abdominal bloating
• Intolerance of fatty foods
• Gas
• Indigestion
• Heartburn

If you have any of the above symptoms along with any of the following symptoms, you should see your doctor right away:

• Chills
• Low-grade fever
• Jaundice (yellowish color of the skin or whites of the eyes)
• Clay-colored stools

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For further information on gallstones:

• What Are Gallstones?
• What Causes Gallstones?
• How Are Gallstones Diagnosed?
• What Is the Treatment for Gallstones?

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_{Sources:
"Common Gastrointestinal Problems - Gallstones." American College of Gastroenterology. 9 Sep 2008}

"Gallstones." American College of Gastroenterology. 9 Sep 2008

"Gallstones." NIH Publication No. 07–2897 July 2007. National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC). 9 Sep 2008