What Are Gallstones?

The gallbladder stores bile, a fluid made by the liver. Bile helps digest fats in the foods you eat. Gallstones form when certain substances in the bile crystallize and become solid. In some cases, the stones don't cause any symptoms. In others, they irritate the walls of the gallbladder. More serious problems can occur if stones move into nearby ducts-such as the common bile duct-and cause blockages. This stops the flow of bile and can lead to pain, nausea, and infection.

Common Symptoms

Gallbladder problems can cause painful attacks, often after a meal. Some people have only one attack. Others have many. Common symptoms include:

• Severe pain or aching in the upper abdomen, back, or right shoulder blade

• A dull ache beneath the ribs or breastbone

• Nausea, upset stomach, or vomiting

• Jaundice (a buildup of bile chemicals in the blood), which causes yellowing of the skin and eyes, dark urine, and itching

Treating Gallstones

If your stones are not causing symptoms, you may choose to delay treatment. But if you've had one or more painful attacks, your doctor will likely recommend removing your gallbladder. This prevents more stones from forming and causing attacks. It also helps prevent complications, such as stones passing into the ducts and causing infection or pancreatitis. After the gallbladder is removed, your liver will still make bile to aid digestion.