Approximately 1 to 3 percent of the 25 million people in the United States with gall stones--commonly spelled as one word, gallstones--develop symptoms of this condition, explains the University of Maryland Medical Center. Gallstones are small, solid deposits within the gallbladder that are primarily composed of cholesterol. Pregnant women and patients over the age of 60 are at an increased risk of developing gallstone symptoms.
Abdominal Pain
Symptomatic patients with gallstones can develop abdominal pain as a result of this condition. Painful symptoms within the abdomen may occur suddenly and can persist for several hours. Sensations of pain typically arise within the upper right portion of the abdomen, which is where the gallbladder is located. Patients can also experience pain that radiates from the abdomen into the upper back or underneath the right shoulder blade, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. These painful gallstone symptoms can occur intermittently over time and may be mild to severe. If these painful symptoms persist for more than five hours, affected patients should seek immediate medical care.
Nausea or Vomiting
Sensations of pain within the abdomen can contribute to stomach upset symptoms. These stomach-related symptoms can include nausea and vomiting, which may occur in conjunction with decreased appetite. If these symptoms persist or become worse, affected patients should seek additional medical care as these gallstone symptoms can also be signs of another medical problems.
Jaundice
If a gallstone becomes stuck within the bile duct, patients can develop a liver infection, explain health officials with the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center in Pennsylvania. A liver infection due to gallstones can cause affected patients to develop jaundice. Jaundice occurs when bile, a digestive fluid produced by the liver, accumulates abnormally. As a result, an affected patient can develop an unusual yellowing of the eyes and skin. Patients who develop jaundice should seek additional medical care as soon as possible. Left untreated, jaundice can cause additional medical complications.
Fever and Chills
Patients with gallstones can develop a high fever as a symptom of this condition. Fever symptoms typically arise as a result of an infection, and may be accompanied by chills, sweating or headache. Fever symptoms that persist or recur should be discussed with a doctor, as this gallstone symptom can also be a sign of other medical complications.
References
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Gallstones - What are the symptoms of gallstones?
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Gallstones and Gallbladder Disease - Risk Factors
- MayoClinic.com: Gallstones - Symptoms
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center: Gallstones
- Milton S. Hershey Medical Center: Gallstones
