Ongoing symptoms of gallstones

Gallstones can cause symptoms that are very similar to a lot of other conditions. These can go on for years without becoming more serious.

These symptoms include:

• Tummy pain
• Pain or heaviness under the ribs on the right-hand side
• Feeling full or bloated

Back to top

Sudden symptoms of gallstones

Gallstones can also cause sudden severe tummy pain.

This pain can:

• Spread to the back and shoulder
• Feel like squeezing or stabbing
• Be constant or come in waves
• Happen after eating or after eating particular foods

These pain attacks can last a few minutes or hours. The pain does not get better after going to the toilet, being sick (vomiting), or passing wind.

Some people feel the pain in their chest. If this happens it is important to have tests to rule out a heart problem. If these tests are normal and the pain continues they should have an ultrasound to check for gallstones.

After the attack it is usually weeks or months until there is another one. If there are no other complications doctors might call this Uncomplicated gallstone disease.

If someone has not had any symptoms for 5 years, then they may never get them again.

Back to top

Symptoms of serious complications of gallstones

Gallstones can block the flow of bile for a short time and then be pushed away. But in some cases, they can cause a more serious blockage that lasts longer. Or the stone can move into the bile ducts, pancreas or small intestine.

This can cause severe pain, inflammation and infection. Doctors might call this complicated gallstone disease.

Symptoms of complicated gallstone disease include:

• severe tummy pain that does not go away
• a high temperature
• jaundice (a yellow colour to the eyes or skin)
• chills or shivering
• itchy skin
• a fast heartbeat
• confusion

For every 100 adults with gallstones:

• 2-6 will have a serious complication within 5 years that needs urgent medical treatment
• 94-98 will not have a serious complication in 5 years

Find out more about the possible complications of gallstones

Back to top

When should I see a doctor about gallstone symptoms?

Make an appointment to see your GP if:

• You have ongoing symptoms of gallstones
• You may have had biliary colic

When to get urgent help

Call NHS 111 or go to A&E if someone:

• has severe pain, and nothing seems to be helping it
• gets jaundice (a yellow colour to the eyes or skin) for the first time
• has a high temperature and severe tummy pain

Back to top