Gallstones can be the size of a grain of sand or even the size of a golf ball. Usually most people with these salt and cholesterol stones do not have any symptoms. In fact, many people have gallstones and do not even know that they have them! However, when the stones become large enough or when they block a bile duct or a cystic duct, this can cause problems as the bile flow from the liver to the small intestine can be blocked. When this happens, a patient will experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abodominal pain, and possibly chest pain. This is what is referred to as a "gallbladder attack". Patients having a gallbladder attack often wonder if they are having a heart attack as the pain can be quite severe.

Due to the pain and other symptoms, most patients having a gallbladder attack will seek medical attention. At this time, an ultrasound of the gallbladder is done to determine what is causing the symptoms. This is usually when a patient learns that they have gallstones.

A patient that has gallstones can also experience complications from the gallstones including pancreatitis or an infection of the pancreas. Another complication that can be cause by gallstones is cholangitis or an inflammation of the bile duct. It is also possible for the gallbladder itself to become inflamed; this condition is calaled cholecysitis. Patients can also experience jaundice or yellowing of the skin and eyes.

The only way to permanently prevent gallbladder attacks is to have the gallbladder removed if it is determined that a patient does have gallstones. Some patients are able to control their attacks for a time by eating a strict low fat diet. However, many people are unable to control their symptoms using diet alone and will need to have their gallbladder removed surgically. This surgery is done using a procedure called keyhole surgery and small incisions are made in the upper part of the abdomen, the chest, and belly button. After having gallbladder surgery, patients should avoid eating fatty foods and should adopt a low fat diet as their bodies can have trouble digesting high fat foods.

Typically, patients with gallstones or gallbladder issues are usually female and around the age of 40. However, anyone can have a gallbladder attack. Gallstones are also a common complication during pregnancy. 

If you believe that you have gallstones or are having severe pain, you should seek medical attention to determine the cause of your problems.