hedgegrail pharmacy logo
We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience. By clicking 'I Understand and Accept', you consent to our use of cookies.
I understand and accept
No, I don't want to use cookies
My Account
Control Panel
An example toast message
Do Something
Login
en
en
hedgegrail pharmacy logo
Menu
en
en
Change Language
Login
My Account
Control Panel
Pharmacy First
Pharmacy Services
Our Store
Health Advice
Order
Log Out
Login
Login
en
en
Do Something
Login
en
en
hedgegrail pharmacy logo
Menu
en
en
Change Language
Login
My Account
Control Panel
Pharmacy First
Pharmacy Services
Our Store
Health Advice
Order
Log Out
Login
Login
en
en
Symptoms

Gallstones don't usually cause any symptoms. But if a gallstone blocks one of the bile ducts, it can cause sudden, severe abdominal pain, known as biliary colic.

Other symptoms may develop if the blockage is more severe or develops in another part of the digestive system.

Abdominal pain (biliary colic)

Gallstones can cause sudden, severe abdominal pain that usually lasts 1 to 5 hours, although it can sometimes last just a few minutes.

The pain can be felt:

  • in the centre of your abdomen (tummy)
  • just under the ribs on your right-hand side – it may spread from here to your side or shoulder blade

The pain is constant and isn't relieved by going to the toilet, passing wind or being sick. 

It's sometimes triggered by eating fatty foods, but may happen at any time of day and may wake you up during the night.

Biliary colic doesn't happen often. After an episode of pain, it may be several weeks or months before you have another episode.

Some people also have periods where they sweat excessively and feel sick or vomit.

When gallstones cause episodes of biliary colic, it's known as uncomplicated gallstone disease.

Other symptoms

Occasionally, gallstones can cause more serious problems if they obstruct the flow of bile for longer periods or move into other organs, such as the pancreas or small bowel.

If this happens, you may develop:

  • a high temperature
  • more persistent pain
  • a rapid heartbeat
  • yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice)
  • itchy skin
  • diarrhoea
  • chills or shivering attacks
  • confusion
  • a loss of appetite

Doctors refer to this more severe condition as complicated gallstone disease.

Read more about the complications of gallstones.

When to get medical advice

Make an appointment to see a GP if you think you may have biliary colic.

Contact your GP immediately for advice if you develop:

  • jaundice
  • abdominal pain lasting longer than 8 hours
  • a high temperature and chills
  • abdominal pain so intense that you can't find a position to relieve it

If it's not possible to contact your GP immediately, phone your local out-of-hours service or call NHS 111.

Last Reviewed
04 December 2023
NHS websiteNHS website
hedgegrail pharmacy logo
Hedgegrail Pharmacy in Stoke Poges offers a wide range of prescription and over-the-counter medications, as well as health and beauty products
Company Registration: 2041755
Premises GPhC: 1099892
Superintendent: Baljit Singh Bahra
Do Something
Do Something
Menu
Pharmacy First
All Pharmacy First Services
Earache
Impetigo
Insect Bite
Shingles
Sinusitis
Sore Throat
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
Pharmacy Services
Order Prescriptions
Our Store
Health Advice
Opening Hours
Store Hours Unavailable
No store selected for opening hours
Loading Open Hours...
Hedgegrail Pharmacy © 2024
Privacy Policy