Share on PinterestIllustration by Antonio JimenezIn most cases, gallstones don’t cause any symptoms and are only identified during a routine checkup.
Gallstones themselves don’t usually cause symptoms until they block the movement of bile from the gallbladder (biliary obstruction). This may cause sudden, sharp pain in the abdomen that can radiate to the back or shoulder blade.
This is sometimes called a gallbladder attack, or biliary colic. It can last up to 5 hours.
Abdominal pain will usually go away once the gallstones clear the gallbladder duct.
Learn more: What does gallbladder pain feel like?
When to get immediate medical attentionIt’s important to get immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms:
nauseomitingfeveryellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice)These symptoms could be a sign of gallbladder complications or other serious medical conditions, such as pancreatitis, appendicitis, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).