Gall bladder stones, or gallstones, aren’t something most people think about until they cause problems. And when they do? The pain can be hard to ignore.
So, what exactly are the signs of gall bladder stones you should look out for?
If you’re unsure whether that nagging discomfort in your upper abdomen is something to worry about, this guide is for you.
I spoke with one of the best physicians in Nagpur who sees cases like this all the time. His advice? Don’t ignore the early signals your body gives you.
Let’s break it down simply.
What Are Gallstones?
Before we dive into symptoms, a quick refresher.
Gallstones are solid particles that form in the gallbladder. Most are made of cholesterol, but they can also be made of pigment from broken-down red blood cells.
They vary in size—some are tiny like a grain of sand, others are as large as a golf ball.
You might have them and not even know it. That’s called a “silent” gallstone. But when do they cause trouble? The symptoms are real and disruptive.
7 Signs of Gall Bladder Stones to Be Aware Of
1. Pain in the Upper Right Abdomen
Let’s start with the most common one.
This pain often comes out of nowhere. It’s sharp, sudden, and usually in the upper right side of your abdomen, just below your ribs.
- It might show up after eating, especially after a fatty meal.
- It can last anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours.
- Some people mistake it for heartburn or gas.
A physician in Nagpur I spoke to said this is the number one symptom patients complain about. It’s also the one they try to brush off the longest.
If it keeps happening, don’t ignore it.
2. Pain That Spreads to Your Back or Right Shoulder
This one surprises people.
The pain doesn’t always stay in the belly area. It can travel to your back or right shoulder blade. Sometimes it feels like a dull ache, other times it’s stabbing.
Why does that happen?
Because the nerves around your gall bladder are connected to other parts of your body. When your gall bladder is irritated or inflamed, your brain can “feel” it in other areas, too.
So if you feel pain in your back or shoulder that won’t go away—and especially if it comes with stomach discomfort—don’t just pop a painkiller and move on.
3. Nausea or Vomiting
This one’s common but often overlooked.
A lot of people feel queasy after eating something heavy. But if you find yourself nauseated often—especially after meals—it could be one of the early signs of gall bladder stone.
Throwing up once after greasy food isn’t a red flag. But frequent nausea, especially when combined with pain, deserves a closer look.
If your stomach feels off every time you eat, it might be time to talk to a doctor.
4. Indigestion or Bloating
Let’s be real—indigestion happens. We all overeat now and then.
But when it becomes a pattern, that’s a clue.
Gallstones can mess with your digestion. Your gall bladder helps break down fats, so when it’s not working right, you’ll feel it:
- You might feel full even after a small meal.
- You could get gassy, bloated, or burp more than usual.
- You may notice stomach cramps after eating.
These might not sound like serious issues. But if they keep coming back—especially with other symptoms on this list—it’s time to dig deeper.
5. Jaundice (Yellowing of Skin or Eyes)
This one’s serious.
If a gallstone blocks your bile duct, bile can build up in your body. That can cause your skin and eyes to turn yellow—a condition called jaundice.
This is one of the clearer signs of a gall bladder stone that needs urgent attention.
You might also notice:
- Dark-colored urine
- Pale or clay-colored stools
- Itchy skin
If you see these symptoms, don’t wait. This could be a sign of a more dangerous blockage or infection.
6. Fever or Chills
A gall bladder infection, known as cholecystitis, can happen when a gallstone blocks the flow of bile.
That’s when you might get a fever or chills—your body’s way of saying something’s not right.
These symptoms usually come with:
- Severe belly pain
- Nausea or vomiting
- Tenderness in the abdomen
This isn’t something you sleep off. It can turn serious fast. If you feel sick and feverish along with stomach issues, go see a doctor immediately.
7. Changes in Bowel Movements
Not the most comfortable topic, but an important one.
When your gall bladder isn’t working right, your digestion suffers. That can show up in your poop.
You might notice:
- Diarrhea, especially after eating fatty food
- Pale or greasy stools
- Bowel movements that float (due to excess fat)
One of the best physicians in Nagpur told me he often spots gall bladder issues through stool changes, even when other symptoms are subtle.
So yes, your bathroom habits can tell you more than you think.
When Should You See a Doctor?
If you notice any of these symptoms, especially more than one, it’s worth talking to a professional.
Here’s what to look for:
- Repeated upper abdominal pain that lasts more than 30 minutes
- Pain that radiates to your back or shoulder
- Digestive issues that just won’t quit
- Fever, chills, or jaundice
You don’t have to check every box. One or two recurring issues can still be a red flag.
A physician can recommend an ultrasound to check for gallstones. It’s simple and painless—and it gives clear answers.
What Increases the Risk of Gallstones?
You’re probably wondering—why do some people get gallstones and others don’t?
There are a few factors:
- Being female (especially between 30 and 50)
- Family history of gallstones
- Pregnancy or hormone therapy
- Rapid weight loss
- Obesity or a high-fat diet
- Diabetes or insulin resistance
You can’t change everything, but lifestyle tweaks help. The physician I interviewed recommends avoiding crash diets and eating balanced meals with good fats, not greasy ones.
What You Can Do About It
Gallstones don’t always require surgery.
Sometimes, if they’re small and not causing major problems, doctors suggest dietary changes and regular monitoring.
But if the pain is constant or complications arise, surgery to remove the gall bladder might be the best option. It’s common and safe.
Here’s how to keep your gall bladder happy:
- Eat fewer fried and fatty foods
- Stay active and avoid rapid weight gain/loss
- Drink plenty of water
- Don’t skip meals, especially breakfast
- Add fiber to your diet (think fruits, veggies, oats)
Small changes make a difference over time.
Gall bladder stones aren’t rare. A lot of people have them without even knowing it. But when they start acting up, the symptoms can mess with your day-to-day life.
You don’t have to suffer through it or second-guess what’s going on.
Know the signs of gall bladder stone, listen to your body, and get help early.
If you’re in Nagpur, consult a reliable physician—someone who listens, asks the right questions, and knows what to look for.
Better to get answers now than regret waiting later.