Gallstones are small, hard deposits that form in the gallbladder, a small organ located beneath the liver. These stones can block the flow of bile, a digestive fluid produced by the liver, and can cause various symptoms and complications.

It is estimated that around 10-15% of adults in the United States have gallstones, with women being more prone to develop them than men. Recognizing the signs of gallstones is crucial for early detection and treatment. Here are some common signs that you might have gallstones:.

1. Abdominal pain

One of the most common and distinctive symptoms of gallstones is abdominal pain. This pain typically occurs in the upper right or middle abdomen and can be severe. It often comes on suddenly and may last for minutes to hours.

The pain may radiate to the back or right shoulder. Eating a fatty meal can trigger or exacerbate the pain.

2. Nausea and vomiting

Gallstones can cause nausea and vomiting, especially after eating a fatty meal. This occurs due to the blockage of the bile ducts, which can lead to an accumulation of bile in the stomach.

The nausea and vomiting may accompany the abdominal pain or occur independently.

3. Jaundice

If a gallstone becomes lodged in the bile ducts, it can cause jaundice, a condition characterized by yellowing of the skin and eyes.

This happens because the blocked bile cannot flow properly and excess bilirubin, a yellow pigment produced when red blood cells break down, builds up in the body.

4. Clay-colored stools

Gallstones can also affect the color of your stools. When the bile flow is blocked, it can cause the stools to become pale or clay-colored. This occurs because bilirubin, the pigment responsible for the brown color of stools, is not properly excreted.

5. Dark urine

In contrast to the light-colored stools, gallstones may cause your urine to become dark. The excess bilirubin that accumulates in the body can be excreted through the kidneys, leading to the darkening of urine.

6. Indigestion and bloating

Gallstones can interfere with the digestion of fats, leading to indigestion and bloating. You may feel uncomfortably full after eating, experience excessive gas, and have a general feeling of abdominal discomfort.

7. Back pain

Some people with gallstones may experience back pain, particularly between the shoulder blades. This pain can be constant or intermittent and may worsen after eating a fatty meal.

8. Fever and chills

In some cases, gallstones can cause inflammation of the gallbladder, a condition known as cholecystitis. This can result in fever and chills, along with abdominal pain and tenderness.

9. Chest pain

Although less common, gallstones can cause chest pain that mimics the symptoms of a heart attack. This occurs when gallstones irritate the diaphragm, the thin muscle separating the chest and abdominal cavities.