Gallstones are hardened deposits of digestive fluid that can form in your gallbladder. Your gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ on the right side of your abdomen, just beneath your liver. It holds a digestive fluid called bile that’s released into your small intestine. Gallstones range in size from as small as a grain of sand to as large as a golf ball. Some people develop just one gallstone, while others develop many at the same time, and gallbladder surgery is the typical treatment if stones become symptomatic.
Persistent or Worsening Symptoms
Gallstones may cause no signs or symptoms. If a gallstone lodges in a duct and causes a blockage, the resulting signs and symptoms may include sudden and rapidly intensifying pain in the upper right portion of your abdomen. This pain might last several minutes to a few hours, and you should pay attention to how your body feels after eating. Certain foods, particularly those high in fat, can trigger gallbladder attacks. If you notice a pattern of discomfort following meals, it is helpful to track these incidents. Persistent indigestion, bloating, or nausea that does not resolve with typical over-the-counter remedies may indicate an underlying gallbladder issue.
Mild symptoms may seem minor at first, but they can escalate over time and lead to more serious issues. While occasional indigestion is common, a recurring abdominal ache warrants professional evaluation. Consulting a healthcare provider early can help you manage the condition before complications arise.
Severe Symptoms
Certain symptoms require immediate medical attention. If you experience intense abdominal pain that makes it impossible to sit still or find a comfortable position, seek help right away. This level of pain often indicates a serious blockage or infection; other severe indicators include yellowing of your skin and the whites of your eyes, known as jaundice. This happens when bile builds up in your system. High fever with chills is another sign that an infection might be present in the gallbladder or bile ducts.
Look out for these critical warning signs:
- Sudden, intense pain in the center of your abdomen
- Back pain between your shoulder blades
- Pain in your right shoulder
- Nausea or vomiting that accompanies severe abdominal pain
These symptoms suggest that a stone may have completely blocked a duct, potentially leading to inflammation or infection. Prompt medical intervention is necessary to prevent serious health risks.
Professional Treatment Through Gallbladder Surgery
Your doctor may recommend gallbladder surgery when symptoms become frequent or severe, and the most common procedure is a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. During this procedure, the surgeon makes several tiny incisions in your abdomen. They insert a laparoscope, a thin tube with a tiny video camera, through one incision to view the organ on a monitor. The surgeon then removes the gallbladder through one of the other small incisions. This minimally invasive approach offers a faster recovery time compared to open surgery. Most patients go home the same day and return to normal activities within a week. Open surgery is reserved for complicated cases where the gallbladder is severely inflamed or scarred.
Living without a gallbladder is possible because your liver will still produce enough bile to digest your food. Instead of being stored in the gallbladder, the bile drips continuously into your digestive system. You might need to adjust your diet temporarily, but most people resume normal eating habits soon after recovery.
Contact a Doctor Today
Understanding when to seek help is the first step toward relief. If you recognize these symptoms in yourself, do not hesitate to reach out for professional advice. Your doctor can perform the necessary tests, such as an ultrasound or blood work, to confirm the presence of gallstones. Early diagnosis often leads to simpler treatment options and a smoother recovery process, so book an appointment if you are concerned about persistent abdominal pain or digestive issues. Getting the right care now can prevent emergency situations later.
