You ate a rich dinner, and now there's a deep, gripping pain under your right ribs that won't let you get comfortable. You're wondering if it's just indigestion, or something that needs a doctor. If the pain came on suddenly and is centered in the upper right side of your belly, you could be having a gallbladder attack from gallstones.
Here's the reassuring part: gallstones are extremely common, and most never cause a single symptom. But when they do, the signs are usually distinctive enough to recognize. This guide walks through what gallstones symptoms feel like, how long an attack lasts, and the red flags that mean you should be seen right away.
What are gallstones?
Gallstones (the medical term is cholelithiasis) are hardened deposits that form in the gallbladder, a small organ under your liver that stores bile. Bile is the digestive fluid your body uses to break down fat. When bile contains too much cholesterol or a pigment called bilirubin, those substances can crystallize and harden into stones, ranging from tiny grains to larger masses.
Gallstones are very common. In the US, about 20 million people, roughly 10 to 20 percent of adults, have them. The good news is that most people never know they're there.
What are the symptoms of gallstones?
Most gallstones are 'silent' and cause no symptoms at all. Roughly two-thirds of people with gallstones have no symptoms, and only about 20 percent develop symptoms over their lifetime. Symptoms appear when a stone moves and blocks a bile duct.
When that happens, the hallmark is a gallbladder attack, also called biliary colic. The pain is often sudden and intense. Common gallstones symptoms include:
- Sudden, rapidly intensifying pain in the upper right part of the abdomen
- Pain in the center of the belly, just below the breastbone
- Pain that radiates to the back between the shoulder blades or to the right shoulder
- Nausea or vomiting
- Attacks that often follow heavy or fatty meals and frequently strike in the evening or during the night
How long does a gallbladder attack last?
A gallbladder attack tends to come on quickly, build to a peak, and then ease as the stone shifts out of the way. The pain typically lasts from about 30 minutes up to several hours, and may settle on its own once the duct is no longer blocked.
If you've had one attack, you may have more, especially after fatty meals. Recurring episodes are worth discussing with a clinician, because symptomatic gallstones can progress to complications over time.
Who is most likely to get gallstones?
Doctors sometimes describe the classic risk profile with the 'four F's': female, fat (carrying excess weight), forty (over age 40), and fertile (pregnancy). Women are affected roughly twice as often as men, partly because estrogen increases the amount of cholesterol in bile and progesterone slows how well the gallbladder empties.
Other factors can raise risk too, including rapid weight loss, diabetes, a family history of gallstones, and certain ethnic backgrounds. Having risk factors doesn't mean you'll develop symptoms, but it's useful context if you start having upper-belly pain.
When should you see a doctor?
A short, self-resolving attack still deserves a conversation with your clinician, but some symptoms are an emergency. Seek immediate care if you have any of these warning signs, which can point to a blocked bile duct, gallbladder infection (cholecystitis), or pancreatitis:
- Abdominal pain so intense you can't sit still or find a comfortable position
- Yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes (jaundice)
- High fever with chills
- Dark urine and light-colored stools, especially alongside the above
How are gallstones treated?
Silent gallstones that aren't causing symptoms usually don't need treatment at all and can simply be monitored. When gallstones cause repeated attacks or complications, the most common treatment is surgery to remove the gallbladder, which you can live well without. Your clinician will confirm the diagnosis, typically with an ultrasound, and discuss the right approach for you.
This article is general education, not personal medical advice. If you're having attacks or any warning signs, talk with a clinician who can review your symptoms and order the right testing. A telehealth visit can be a convenient first step to figure out whether your pain needs urgent in-person care.
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before starting any new skincare treatment, especially if you have underlying health conditions, are pregnant, or are taking medications.
