Health Library · Digestive

Gallbladder / gallstone symptoms

Overview

Gallstones are common; most are silent. Symptomatic gallstones cause biliary colic — right-upper-quadrant pain after fatty meals. Cholecystitis is infection needing surgery.

Symptoms to watch for

  • Right-upper-quadrant pain after meals, especially fatty foods
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Pain radiating to right shoulder blade
  • Fever with cholecystitis

How it's diagnosed

Right upper quadrant ultrasound.

Treatment

Symptomatic gallstones → laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Acute cholecystitis → antibiotics + surgery.

When to book a visit

Book for evaluation. ER for fever with severe pain.

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