The gallbladder is an organ located in the right upper section of the abdomen. The liver produces digestive fluid, called bile, and stores it in the gallbladder. At times, the bile becomes solid and forms gallstones, also called cholelithiasis. Several types of gallstones exist, but the most common stone is a cholesterol stone. The size of a gallstone ranges in size from a grain of sand to the size of a golf ball. Some risk factors for having gallstones include pregnancy, old age, a low-fiber diet and obesity. Treatment for bothersome gallstones includes surgical removal of the gallbladder.
No Symptoms
Up to 80 percent of individuals suffering from gallstones have no symptoms associated with the condition. The stones usually cause symptoms when lodged in the duct connecting the gallbladder to the small intestine.
Pain
The pain associated with gallstones might occur in various areas of the body. The right upper area of the abdomen may have sharp pain. The pain may also be felt in the middle of the abdomen, below the breastbone, according to the Mayo Clinic. This pain is a sudden pain that increases in intensity. An individual with gallstones may also experience pain in the right shoulder or between the shoulder blades. Pain related to a condition that is not in the same location in the body is also called referred pain. The pain may begin after a large meal and can last for minutes or several hours. Once the stone passes into the small intestine, the pain goes away.
Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting may occur with gallstones. An individual may also feel a full feeling in the abdomen, according to Medline Plus.
Jaundice
Jaundice is a yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eye. If the gallstone lodges in a bile duct, it may cause an inflammation in the liver. This inflammation causes too much bilirubin to develop in the liver. Bilirubin is the normal byproduct from the liver breaking down red blood cells. Too much bilirubin in the body causes the jaundice to occur.
Fever
When the gallstones block a bile duct, they can cause inflammation or an infection in the liver or the gallbladder. This inflammation might cause a fever. Any fever over 100.4 degrees F, especially when accompanied with abdominal pain, nausea and jaundice, need evaluation by a physician.
Clay-Colored Stools
The bilirubin normally goes into the small intestine and gives stool its brown color. When the bilirubin becomes trapped in the body, the stool loses its normal coloring. The stools then appear clay-colored or white.
