About 80% of people who have gallstones have no symptoms. These cases are called silent gallstones, which cause no problems and usually do not require treatment.
For those people who do have symptoms, gallstones often cause pain in the upper abdomen. The attack begins suddenly, often after a fatty meal and often during the night.
Typical Symptoms of an Attack
- Steady and sharp pain in the upper abdomen that increases rapidly and lasts from 30 minutes to several hours
- Pain in the back between the shoulder blades
- Pain under the right shoulder
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Diarrhea
Other Symptoms
Contact your doctor
right away
if you have the above symptoms and any of the following:
- Sweating
- Chills
- Low-grade fever
- Yellowish color of the skin or whites of the eyes
- Clay-colored stools
- Dark urine
