What are the Symptoms of Gallstones?
Most people with gallstones do not have symptoms. They have what are called silent stones and require no treatment. Silent stones usually are detected during a routine medical checkup or examination for another illness.
A gallstone attack usually is marked by a steady, severe pain in the upper abdomen. Attacks may last only 20 or 30 minutes but more often they last for one to several hours. A gallstone attack may also cause nausea or vomiting, or pain between the shoulder blades, or in the right shoulder. Attacks may be separated by weeks, months, or even years. Once a true attack occurs, subsequent attacks are much more likely.
Blockage of the cystic duct is a common complication. Gallstones that become lodged in the cystic duct and block the flow of bile cause cholecystitis, an inflammation of the gallbladder.
A less common but more serious problem occurs when gallstones become lodged in the bile ducts between the liver and intestine. This blocks bile flow from the gallbladder and liver, causing pain and jaundice. Gallstones may also interfere with the flow of digestive fluids secreted from the pancreas into the small intestine, leading to pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas. Prolonged blockage of any of these ducts can cause severe damage to the gallbladder, liver, or pancreas, which can be fatal. Warning signs include fever, jaundice, and persistent pain.
The list of signs and symptoms mentioned in various sources for Gallstones includes those listed below. Note that Gallstones symptoms usually refers to various symptoms known to a patient, but the phrase Gallstones signs may refer to those signs only noticable by a doctor:
No symptoms - many people don't know they have gallstones. These "silent stones" are often found by accident from x-rays for other medical reasons. These stones may or may not require treatment.
Abdominal pain
Nausea
Vomiting
Indigestion
Abdominal bloating
Fatty food intolerance
Biliary Colic
Belching
Gas
Indigestion
Certain symptoms are particularly dangerous and require urgent medical attention:
Fever
Sweating
Chills
Jaundice
Yellow eyes
Yellow skin
Persistent pain
Clay-colored stools
Gallstone attack symptoms - an acute gallstone attack can occur at any time, such as the night or after a fatty meal. A gallstone attack indicates that medical attention is required.
Upper abdominal pain
Back pain - between the shoulder blades
Pain under the right shoulder
Nausea
Vomiting
2006-09-08 22:59:36
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answer #1
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answered by Aicha 2
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usually you get pain across the right upper part of your abdomen especially after you eat a fatty meal. Sometimes the pain goes up to the right shoulder. You may also experience nausea. Some people develop fever and severe pain in the chest. So is very intense at time. Some doctors call it biliary colic. You should see a doctor if you are experiencing any of the above.
2006-09-09 05:42:15
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answer #2
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answered by byro 1
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Extreme upper right quadrant pain. Usually you will have trouble with bowel movements, mostly diarrhea. Back pain is usually evident as well. Sometimes nausea and vomiting as well.
2006-09-09 09:33:43
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answer #3
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answered by melinda_rn2006 3
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Can be asymptomatic in most cases, but if you are trying to pass a big one and it gets stuck in the duct you'll feel like a mule has kicked you just under your right ribs. Get medical help asap.
2006-09-09 06:44:14
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answer #4
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answered by Mad Roy 6
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nnnoooooowwwwwaaayyyy
2006-09-09 05:37:51
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answer #5
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answered by hot topic 2
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