Bile stones are small, hardened deposits that form in the bile ducts, leading to discomfort and pain. These stones can consist of cholesterol, bilirubin, or a combination of both.

Bile stones can cause a range of symptoms, depending on their location and size. If you have any of the following symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention right away.

Abdominal Pain

One of the most common symptoms of bile stones is abdominal pain. You may feel a sharp, intense pain in the upper right side of your abdomen or beneath your breastbone. This pain can come and go and may last anywhere from a few minutes to several hours.

In some cases, the pain can be so severe that it feels like a heart attack.

Nausea and Vomiting

If you have bile stones, you may experience nausea and vomiting. This is because the stones can block the flow of bile from your gallbladder into your intestines, leading to digestive issues.

You may feel nauseous after eating and may even vomit bile or food.

Bloating and Gas

Bile stones can cause bloating and gas due to the buildup of gas in your intestines. This can lead to discomfort and a feeling of fullness in your abdomen.

Jaundice

If the bile stones are blocking the bile ducts, you may develop jaundice. Jaundice is a condition that causes yellowing of the skin and eyes due to a buildup of bilirubin in the body. You may also experience itchy skin or dark urine.

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Fever and Chills

Bile stones can cause a fever and chills if they lead to an infection. If you have a fever and chills in addition to abdominal pain, it’s important to seek medical attention right away, as this could be a sign of a severe infection.

Light-colored Stool

If your stool is light-colored or grayish in color, this could be a sign of bile stones. This happens because the stones are blocking the flow of bile from your gallbladder into your intestines, leading to a lack of color in your stool.

Difficulty Digesting Fatty Foods

If you have bile stones, you may have difficulty digesting fatty foods. This is because the stones can block the flow of bile into your intestines, which is necessary for breaking down fats.

Chest Pain

In some cases, the pain from bile stones can be felt in the chest, leading to chest pain. This can be particularly alarming, as chest pain can be a sign of a heart attack.

If you experience chest pain in addition to other symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention right away.

Back Pain

Back pain is another symptom of bile stones, particularly if the stones are blocking the bile ducts. The pain may be felt in the upper back or between the shoulder blades.

Yellowing of the Eyes and Skin

If the bile ducts are completely blocked, you may develop a condition called cholangitis. This can cause yellowing of the eyes and skin, along with fever, chills, and abdominal pain. Cholangitis is a medical emergency and requires immediate attention.