Gallstones

Gallstones are small stones, usually made of cholesterol, that form in the gallbladder — a small organ under the liver. They are common and often cause no symptoms [1].

If a gallstone blocks a bile duct, it can cause sudden, severe tummy pain (in the centre or under the right ribs) that can last from minutes to hours, sometimes with feeling or being sick [1].

Gallstones are more common with being over 40, being female, being overweight, and losing weight quickly, and in people with certain conditions [1].

Gallstones that are not causing symptoms often do not need treatment. If they cause problems, surgery to remove the gallbladder is a common treatment, and you can live a normal life without one [1].

Get urgent medical advice if you have tummy pain lasting more than a few hours, or pain with a high temperature, feeling or being sick, or yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes (jaundice) — these can be signs of a complication [1].