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Gallbladder Stone Symptoms: When to See a Doctor in Bengaluru

Namaste from Altor Hospitals in Bengaluru!

Experiencing unexplained pain in your belly can be unsettling, especially if it comes and goes. Often, what many people describe as “indigestion” or “gas” could actually be a sign of gallbladder stones. These tiny, pebble-like deposits are surprisingly common, but when they start causing trouble, they can lead to significant discomfort and even serious health issues.

As your Head of Patient Care, my goal is to empower you with knowledge. Understanding the common gallbladder stone symptoms is the first step towards getting the right care at the right time. At Altor Hospitals in KR Puram, Bengaluru, we’re dedicated to providing clear answers and compassionate, NABH-certified care. Let’s explore what you need to know.

What Exactly Are Gallstones? A Simple Explanation.

Imagine your gallbladder as a small, pear-shaped storage pouch nestled under your liver. Its job is to hold bile, a digestive liquid made by your liver that helps your body break down fats.

Gallstones form when substances in your bile – usually cholesterol or bilirubin – harden into solid particles. They can be as tiny as a grain of sand or as large as a golf ball. Many people have gallstones and never know it; these are called “silent gallstones” and often don’t cause any problems. However, when these stones start to move or block a bile duct, that’s when the trouble begins.

Key Gallbladder Stone Symptoms: Don't Ignore These Warning Signs!

When gallstones start causing issues, they often lead to what’s commonly known as a “gallbladder attack” or biliary colic. This discomfort can be very intense and should never be ignored.

Here are the crucial symptoms to watch out for:

  • Location: This is the most common symptom. The pain usually starts suddenly in the upper right side of your abdomen or in the center of your belly, just below your breastbone.
  • Character: It’s often described as a sharp, cramping, or aching pain that can be very severe.
  • Duration: The pain can last from a few minutes to several hours, sometimes even waking you up at night.
  • Triggers: It often occurs after eating fatty or rich meals, as this stimulates the gallbladder to release bile, potentially causing a stone to move.
  • The discomfort isn’t always confined to your belly. The pain might spread to your right shoulder, your upper back, or even between your shoulder blades.
  • Feeling sick to your stomach is very common during a gallbladder attack, and it can often lead to vomiting.
  • Feeling sick to your stomach is very common during a gallbladder attack, and it can often lead to vomiting.

You might experience persistent indigestion, heartburn, or a feeling of fullness and bloating, especially after eating fatty foods. While these can be signs of other digestive issues, if combined with the pain described above, it’s a red flag.

  • If a gallstone causes an infection or inflammation of the gallbladder (a condition called cholecystitis), you might develop a fever along with chills. This indicates a more serious situation requiring urgent medical attention.
  • This is a critical symptom! If a gallstone blocks the main bile duct that carries bile to your intestine, bile can build up in your liver and bloodstream. This causes your skin and the whites of your eyes to turn yellow.
  • Along with jaundice, you might notice dark urine (like tea) and pale or clay-colored stools. These are strong indicators of a blocked bile duct and require immediate emergency care.

Key Gallbladder Stone Symptoms: Don't Ignore These Warning Signs!

Understanding the symptoms is key, but knowing when to act is crucial. At Altor Hospitals, your well-being is our priority, and we encourage you to seek medical attention at the right time.

See a Doctor Immediately (Emergency Situations): Please do not delay. Rush to our emergency department or call for urgent medical help if you experience:

  • Sudden, severe, and worsening abdominal pain that doesn’t go away.
  • Intense pain accompanied by fever and chills.
  • Yellowing of your skin or eyes (jaundice).
  • Dark urine or pale stools.
  • Pain so severe that you cannot sit still or find a comfortable position.

Schedule a Consultation Soon (Non-Emergency but Important): It’s wise to consult a doctor at Altor Hospitals if you have:

  • Repeated episodes of milder abdominal pain after meals, even if they pass.
  • Persistent indigestion, bloating, or nausea that you suspect is related to fatty foods.
  • Any new or recurring abdominal discomfort that concerns you.

Treatment for Gallstones: Beyond Just Waiting

Once gallstones are diagnosed, our specialists will discuss the best treatment plan for you.

  • “Watchful Waiting” (for Silent Stones): If you have gallstones but no symptoms, surgery might not be immediately necessary. We’ll monitor your condition.
  • Medication (Rarely): In very specific cases, certain medications can sometimes dissolve gallstones, but this is less common and takes a long time.
  • Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy (The Most Common & Effective Solution): For symptomatic gallstones, inflammation, or other complications, surgical removal of the gallbladder is the definitive and most effective treatment. At Altor Hospitals, we primarily perform this using the advanced laparoscopic (keyhole) method. To learn more about this gentle surgery and what to expect, visit our dedicated Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy page.

Why Choose Altor Hospitals for Your Gallbladder Care in Bengaluru?

Don't Let Gallbladder Symptoms Impact Your Life.

If you’re experiencing pain or discomfort that
might be related to gallstones, please don’t
hesitate to seek expert medical advice. Early diagnosisand
timely treatment can prevent complications and
get you back to enjoying life without pain.