PP
1
1
Moderate severity
· Gastroenterology
Gallstones
Stones in the gallbladder
Cholesterol or pigment stones form in the gallbladder. Many cause no symptoms; painful attacks usually need surgery.
At a glance
- Prevalence
- 10–15% adults, women > men
- Typical age
- 40+ years
- Outlook
- Curable
- System
- Gut
Reviewed by a verified Gastroenterology doctor
What causes it
Causes
- Female, fertile, fat, 40 (the 4 Fs)
- Rapid weight loss
- High-cholesterol diet
- Diabetes
- Family history
How it feels
Symptoms & effects
- Severe right upper abdominal pain
- Pain referred to right shoulder
- Triggered by fatty meal
- Nausea, vomiting
- Jaundice if duct blocked
How it’s treated
Treatment & cure
- Ultrasound to confirm
- Laparoscopic cholecystectomy if symptomatic
- Pain relief, antibiotics in cholecystitis
- ERCP for stones in duct
- Low-fat diet during symptoms
Staying ahead
Prevention
- Maintain healthy weight (avoid yo-yo)
- Eat regular meals, not crash diets
- Limit deep-fried food
- Stay active
Do’s
- Lose weight gradually
- Eat regular meals
- Stay hydrated
- Get ultrasound if recurrent right-upper pain
Don’ts
- Crash-diet
- Eat large fatty meal after symptom-free week
- Skip surgery if recurrent attacks
- Self-medicate with painkillers
See a doctor immediately if
Symptoms are sudden or severe, getting worse despite home care, or interfering with sleep, work or daily life. Don’t self-diagnose from the internet — book a verified clinician below.
Top specialists
See all gastroenterology doctors Top 4 doctors for Gallstones
Ranked by patient rating, years of experience and review volume. All verified by MediConsult’s clinical team.
RA
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Disclaimer ·
This article is educational and reviewed by clinicians, but it cannot replace an in-person assessment.
Medication doses, prevention advice and treatment choices vary by person. Always confirm with a doctor before acting on anything here.