Most people have no symptoms until the stones begin to cause trouble. When symptoms do occur the most common are:
- Pain, which can vary from mild indigestion or discomfort to severe and persistent pain felt just below the right ribs spreading to the side and shoulder blade. Sometimes it may be mistaken for a heart attack or a peptic ulcer. The pain is due to strong contractions as the gallbladder tries to expel the stone. It may begin after a fatty meal or at night, and some people find relief by walking about to dislodge the stone.
- Jaundice, indicating a more serious condition. It can develop when your bile duct becomes blocked by a stone. The breakdown products of bile build up in the blood making you feel unwell. It is easily noticeable as the skin and whites of the eyes go yellow and eventually the urine becomes darker and stools paler.
- Shivering attacks, in which a sudden chill with severe shivering and a high temperature, similar to 'flu’, are a sign that infection is building up. Once again, if this happens you should see your doctor urgently.