A gallstone is a buildup of uric acid in the gallbladder. These very hard stones can vary in size, from as small as a single grain of sand to as large as a marble. Patients can have more than one gallstone. In fact, many patients suffer from several gallstones at once. Many times a patient can live for years with gallstones and never know they are there. However, once the stone or stones grow to a size that causes blockages, symptoms will begin to appear. Gallstones are easily treated by a doctor.
Abdominal Pain
The Mayo Clinic explains that abdominal pain caused by gallstones can last anywhere from a couple of minutes to several hours. This pain can range from a dull ache to a sharp, piercing pain that can double the patient over. The location of the pain is most commonly found in the center of the abdomen or in the upper right area of the abdomen. This pain will occur most often and be the most severe after eating a meal, but especially after eating something spicy or greasy. Although abdominal pain is the most common early symptom of gallstones, some patients may feel a radiating pain between the shoulder blades or in the right shoulder.
Jaundice
The New York Times Health Guide lists jaundice as an early symptom of gallstones. Jaundice is the medical term for the yellowing of the skin and eyes. The reason jaundices occurs with gallstones is that the stones block the bile ducts. This causes a buildup of bilirubin in the body, which is the yellow byproduct of red blood cells. Because this pigment becomes so prevalent throughout the blood, it will begin to show through the skin and the whites of the eyes. Because jaundice can also be a sign of acute liver failure, patients who notice their skin changing colors should seek medical attention immediately, because this condition can be fatal.
Symptoms Resembling Influenza
The body tries to heal itself naturally, no matter what the ailment is. The same is true for gallstones. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that a patient will experience flu-like symptoms when he is trying to pass the gallstones. He will develop a fever that can be accompanied by chills or cold sweats. The patient may also feel nauseated or begin vomiting. Body aches can also be present, and will especially affect the abdomen and the back. The patient should monitor his symptoms and seek medical attention if the flu-like symptoms are accompanied by the other symptoms mentioned above.
