Gallstones: Causes, Symptoms, and What You Can Do

When gallstones, hard, pebble-like deposits that form in the gallbladder from bile components like cholesterol or bilirubin. Also known as biliary calculi, they can block the flow of bile and trigger intense pain, nausea, and even infection. Many people live with them without knowing—until the pain hits like a hammer.

Gallstones don’t just appear out of nowhere. They form when your bile has too much cholesterol, too much bilirubin, or when your gallbladder doesn’t empty properly. Obesity, rapid weight loss, diabetes, and diets high in fat and low in fiber all raise your risk. Women, especially those over 40, are more likely to get them. If you’ve had a baby, taken birth control, or are on hormone therapy, your chances go up too. It’s not just about eating too much fried food—it’s about how your body processes it.

The real problem comes when a stone moves into the bile duct. That’s when you feel it: sudden, sharp pain under your right rib, often spreading to your shoulder or back. It can last for hours. Nausea, vomiting, fever, or yellowing skin? That’s not just an upset stomach. That’s a bile duct obstruction, a blockage that stops bile from flowing from the liver to the small intestine—and it needs attention. Left untreated, it can lead to infection, pancreatitis, or even sepsis. Most cases are diagnosed with an ultrasound, which is quick, safe, and accurate.

Not every gallstone needs surgery. If you’re not having symptoms, your doctor might just watch and wait. But if you’re in pain, the most common fix is removing the gallbladder. It’s one of the most routine surgeries out there. You don’t need your gallbladder to live—you just need to adjust how you eat. After surgery, many people do better on lower-fat meals. Some try herbal remedies or gallbladder flushes, but there’s no solid proof they work. The science says: if it’s causing trouble, removal is the reliable solution.

And here’s what you won’t hear everywhere: gallstones don’t always mean you’re unhealthy. You can be fit, eat well, and still get them. Genetics play a big role. If your mom or dad had them, your risk goes up. That’s why it’s not about blame—it’s about awareness. Know the signs. Don’t ignore that deep, lingering pain after eating. And if you’ve had one episode, talk to your doctor about what comes next.

Below, you’ll find real, practical guides on how gallstones affect daily life, what medications help (and which ones don’t), how they connect to other conditions like diabetes or liver disease, and what to expect if surgery is on the table. No fluff. Just clear info from people who’ve been there.