Gallstones can cause a range of symptoms, though some individuals may remain asymptomatic. The most common symptom is biliary colic, characterized by sudden and intense pain in the upper right abdomen or the center of the abdomen, just below the breastbone. This pain can last from a few minutes to several hours and may radiate to the back or right shoulder blade. The pain is often triggered by eating fatty or greasy foods and can be accompanied by nausea and vomiting.
Other symptoms of Gallstones include indigestion, bloating, gas, and abdominal fullness, especially after meals. In more severe cases, gallstones can lead to complications such as cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder), which causes persistent pain, fever, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes). If a gallstone blocks the bile duct, it can result in a bile duct infection (cholangitis) or pancreatitis, both of which are medical emergencies requiring prompt treatment. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention for proper diagnosis and management.
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