Most people with gallstones do not experience symptoms, particularly if the gallstones remain in the gallbladder. They may never know they have gallstones, or discover them while physicians are investigating another problem.

Some people experience symptoms that occur suddenly, which is known as a gallstone attack. The most common symptom of an attack is biliary colic. This constant pain in the upper abdomen lasts from 30 minutes to several hours. Pain may be felt in the back between the shoulder blades or under the right shoulder. Biliary colic is usually caused by the gallbladder contracting in response to a fatty meal, which causes the gallstones to press against and block the cystic duct opening. Attacks often occur at night and the pain may wake the person from sleep.

Other symptoms of an attack may include:

• Nausea or vomiting
• Abdominal bloating or gas
• Belching
• Indigestion

Gallstones that move into and block one of the ducts require immediate medical attention. These blockages can cause inflammation of the gallbladder (acute cholecystitis) or the pancreas (pancreatitis).  

Patients who experience any of the following symptoms of bile duct obstruction should seek medical attention immediately. They include:

• Upper abdominal pain
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes)
• Darkened urine
• Clay-colored stools
• Fever
• Chills
• Sweating