How to Diagnose Gallstones

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It can be hard to diagnose gallstones yourself, because while there are some signs you can watch for, a lot of people won't experience noticeable symptoms. Our guide covers those symptoms, as well as the tests your doctor can use to diagnose gallstones if they suspect you might have them.

Part 1
Part 1 of 4:

Recognizing Gallstone Symptoms

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  1. Gallstones can exist without ill effects for decades. Most people experience no symptoms when they have gallstones; in fact only 5 to 10% of people develop some symptoms of gallstones. This can make it difficult to know what to look for if you suspect you may have gallstones, and further indicates the importance of consulting a doctor for official diagnosis. [1]
    • Fewer than half the number of people who actually have gallstones even experience symptoms.
  2. Individuals with gallstones may experience a recurring pain in the upper right area of their abdomen (right upper quadrant pain) or in front of the lower part of their sternum (epigastric pain). There may be a gnawing pain, nausea and vomiting. The pain, known as biliary colic, usually lasts for more than 15 minutes and can sometimes radiate towards the back. [2] [3]
    • Patients will usually experience recurring episodes of biliary colic after their first time experiencing the pain. In addition, biliary colic often occurs and then goes away. You may only feel this pain several times per year.
    • This symptom can be easy to confuse with other digestive or abdominal pains.
    • If you think you suffer from biliary colic, make an appointment to see your doctor.
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  3. Observe whether you have abdominal pains and/or biliary colic after eating large or fatty meals, for example like a greasy breakfast with bacon and sausage or a big holiday meal like on Thanksgiving. These are the moments when you are most likely to experience pain and/or biliary colic.
    • In some patients, minor biliary colic, without signs of infection, can be tolerated without medical intervention.
  4. This is the main symptom of gallbladder inflammation, which is often caused by gallstones. The pain usually worsens when drawing a breath. [4]
    • You may experience pain between your shoulder blades and in your right shoulder specifically. [5]
  5. [6] Gallbladder inflammation is much more serious than biliary colic, and fever is the best way to distinguish between the two symptoms, based on their severity. You should seek medical attention right away if you fear that you have gallbladder inflammation.
    • Infection develops in about 20 percent of patients, with a higher rate for diabetes patients.
    • Infection can lead to gangrene and perforation of the gallbladder.
    • Jaundice can also accompany fever. Jaundice can present with yellowing of the whites of the eyes (sclera) and skin.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 4:

Understanding the Risk Factors

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  1. The risk of developing gallstones increases with age. In fact, gallstone incidence peaks when a person is in his sixties and seventies. [7]
  2. Women are more likely to be diagnosed with gallstones than men; there is a 2-3: 1 ratio in this regard. Twenty-five percent of women will have a gallstone by the time they turn 60. This gender imbalance is due to the effect of the hormone estrogen, which women have more of. Estrogen stimulates the liver to remove cholesterol, and many gallstones are made from cholesterol. [8]
    • Women who take hormone replacement therapy pills experience an increase in risk of gallstones due to the estrogen. Hormone therapy can double or triple your risk of developing gallstones. Similarly, the birth control pill can also contribute to gallstone formation because of its effect on women's hormones.
  3. Expect increased likelihood of gallstones if you are pregnant. Pregnant people are also more likely to develop symptoms, like those listed above, than their counterparts who are not pregnant.
    • Seek a doctor’s opinion immediately if you suspect biliary colic or gallbladder inflammation.
    • Gallstones may disappear after the pregnancy without surgery or medicine.
  4. [9] Northern Europeans and Hispanics are high-risk groups for gallstones. Some Native Americans, especially tribes in Peru and Chile, have very high instances of gallstones. [10] [11]
  5. [13] Consult your doctor if you suffer from Crohn’s disease, cirrhosis or blood disorders as these are all risk factors for gallstones. Organ transplantation and prolonged IV feeding may also lead to gallstones.
    • Individuals with diabetes are also at a high risk of developing both gallstones and gallbladder disease, without stones. This is likely due to weight and obesity. [14]
  6. Be aware that lifestyle factors are also risk factors [15] . Obesity and frequent crash dieting have been found to increase the risk of gallstones by 12 to 30 percent. In obese people, the liver produces more cholesterol, and approximately 20 percent of gallstones are formed from cholesterol. In general, gaining and losing weight frequently can cause gallstones. [16] The risk is highest for people who have lost more than 24 percent of their body weight and those who lose more than 3.3 pounds per week. [17]
    • In addition, diets that contain high levels of fat as well as cholesterol can be the basis for the formation of cholesterol gallstones (the most common type of gallstone that appears yellow). [18] [19]
    • If you are inactive and lead a sedentary lifestyle, you are at higher risk for gallstones. [20]
  7. The use of birth control pills at an early age, high doses of estrogen replacement therapy, chronic use of corticosteroid or cytostatic therapies, and drugs used to lower cholesterol can increase the likelihood that you will develop gallstones. [21]
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Part 3
Part 3 of 4:

Diagnosing Gallstones Medically

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  1. Ultrasound is the best test to diagnose and differentiate gallstones. [22] It is a painless imaging technique in which sonic waves produce an image of the soft tissues in your abdomen. A trained technician can find gallstones in the gallbladder or common bile duct.
    • This test can detect gallstones in approximately 97% to 98% of individuals. [23]
    • The ultrasound procedure consists of a harmless machine that recreates an image of your gallbladder by reflecting inaudible sound waves against your body. Your ultrasound technician will apply a gel to your abdomen that will help the sound waves to travel through your body and be detected more accurately. This painless procedure is usually completed within 15-30 minutes.
    • You should not eat for 6 or more hours before the test.
  2. If your doctor wants still images of the area or the ultrasound did not produce a clear picture, a CT scan may be necessary. The CT scan will generate a cross-sectional image of your gallbladder by using special x-rays that will be interpreted by a computer. [24]
    • You will be asked to lie down in a cylindrical, donut-shaped machine that will scan your body for approximately 30 minutes. The procedure is relatively quick and will not be painful.
    • In some cases, the doctor may prefer to use a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine, rather than a CT scanner. This type of imaging involves a similar setup and will use changes in magnetic fluctuations to create an accurate image of your internal organs. This procedure may last up to an hour, and will involve you lying down inside a cylindrical scanning device.
    • There is no advantage of a CT over an ultrasound, except that a CT may distinguish a stone in the common bile duct, the small tube that carries bile from the gallbladder to the intestine. [25]
  3. If you suspect you may have an abdominal infection, you can get a blood test called a complete blood count (CBC). The blood test can establish whether a larger infection in the gallbladder may require surgery. Blood tests can also reveal other complications caused by gallstones in addition to infection, including jaundice and pancreatitis. [26]
    • This blood test is a standard blood test. Your healthcare provider or a technician will utilize a small needle to draw blood from your veins into small vials that will be analyzed by a lab for the doctor’s requested information.
    • Leukocytosis and elevated C-reactive protein are indicators that are associated with acute cholecystitis, an inflammation of the gallbladder that could be caused by gallstones. Your doctor may check these levels as well as the standard panel of electrolytes and complete blood count analysis. [27]
  4. Your doctor may recommend an ERCP, which is an invasive procedure in which a flexible tube about the thickness of a finger is placed into your mouth and down your digestive tract to examine parts of your stomach and intestine. If the physician finds gallstones during this somewhat invasive procedure, they can be removed. [28]
    • Let your doctor know all your medications, especially if you are taking insulin, aspirin, blood pressure pills, coumadin, heparin. These medications can affect bleeding during certain procedures, and you may be asked to adjust your medication routine.
    • Due to the invasive nature of the procedure, you'll receive medication that may make you drowsy, and it is advised that you have someone who can accompany you or take you home after the procedure.
  5. If your doctor is already prescribing tests for possible liver disease or cirrhosis, he can check for gallbladder problems at the same time by determining if any imbalances are present. [29]
    • This test can be requested at the time of a blood test to provide further evidence of suspected gallstones.
    • Your doctor will check your bilirubin levels, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) levels , and alkaline phosphatase levels. If these levels are elevated, you may have gallstones or another issue with your gallbladder.
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Part 4
Part 4 of 4:

Preventing Gallstones

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  1. If you're trying to lose weight, don't do any crash dieting. Aim to eat healthy, well-balanced meals that include plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, complex carbohydrates (like whole wheat bread, pasta, and rice), and protein. Your weight loss goal should be to lose one to two pounds per week and not any more than that. [30]
    • Losing weight slowly but steadily can lower the risk of gallstones.
  2. [31] Butter, meat and cheese may contribute to a diet that increases cholesterol and causes gallstones. Elevated fat and cholesterol contribute to cholesterol gallstones, yellow gallstones that are the most common type seen clinically. [32]
    • Instead, choose monosaturated fats. These fats increase your level of “good cholesterol,” which can reduce your risk of developing gallstones. Choose olive and canola oils over saturated animal fats like butter and lard. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in canola, flaxseed, and fish oil, may also help lower the risk of gallstones. [33]
    • Nuts are also healthy fats, and some research suggests that you may be able to reduce your risk of developing gallstones by eating peanuts and tree nuts, like walnuts and almonds.
  3. Fiber intake can lower risk of gallstones. High fiber foods include legumes, nuts and seeds, fruits and vegetables, and whole grains. You should not have a difficult time getting enough fiber through diet alone. [34]
    • However, you can also consider taking fiber supplements, like flaxmeal. For a quick fix, combine one heaping teaspoon of flaxmeal in a glass of apple juice (eight ounces).
  4. Sugar, pasta and bread may contribute to gallstones. Eat whole grains, fruits and vegetables to lower your risk of gallstones and gallbladder removal.
    • Some research has suggested an association between high carbohydrate intake and increased incidence of gallstones. This is because carbohydrates are converted to sugar in the body. [35]
  5. Some research suggests that drinking coffee daily and drinking alcohol in moderation (one to two drinks a day) can result in a reduced risk for gallstones.
    • The caffeine found in coffee stimulates gallbladder contractions and lowers cholesterol in bile. However, other caffeinated beverages, like tea and soda, do not appear to have the same effect, according to the research. [36]
    • Studies have found that drinking even one ounce of alcohol a day can reduce the risk of gallstones in some people by 20%.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    What is the most common symptom of gallstones?
    Peter Gardner, MD
    Board Certified Gastroenterologist
    Peter W. Gardner, MD is a board certified physician who has practiced Gastroenterology and Hepatology for over 30 years. He specializes in diseases of the digestive system and liver. Dr. Gardner earned his Bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina and attended Georgetown Medical School. He completed his residency in Internal Medicine and then his fellowship in Gastroenterology at the University of Connecticut. He is a previous Chief of Gastroenterology at Stamford Hospital and remains on the staff. He is also on the staff of Greenwich Hospital and New York (Columbia) Presbyterian Hospital. Dr. Gardner is an Approved Consultant in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology with the American Board of Internal Medicine.
    Peter Gardner, MD
    Board Certified Gastroenterologist
    Expert Answer
    You may have pain or tenderness under your right rib cage that comes and goes.
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  • Question
    How do you prevent bilirubin gallstones?
    Muhammad Khan, MD, MPH
    Board-Certified Gastroenterologist
    Dr. Muhammad Khan is a Gastroenterologist, with over 10 years of experience. Dr. Khan specializes in Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, and has a special focus in Therapeutic Endoscopy. He received his Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate of Medicine degrees from The University of Utah. Dr. Khan completed his residency training at Eastern Virginia Medical School, where he was inducted into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha honor society. He then completed his fellowship training at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital at Stanford University. He is a Fellow of both the American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) and the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (NASPGHAN).
    Muhammad Khan, MD, MPH
    Board-Certified Gastroenterologist
    Expert Answer
    You have to change how you eat and move. Basically, try eating healthier, reducing your fat intake, and increasing the consumption of fruits and vegetables. Drinking lots of water and being active will help your body metabolize all of these things so that they're secreted quickly and not stored in the gallbladder.
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  • Question
    Where is the gallbladder located?
    Chris M. Matsko, MD
    Family Medicine Physician
    Dr. Chris M. Matsko is a retired physician based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. With over 25 years of medical research experience, Dr. Matsko was awarded the Pittsburgh Cornell University Leadership Award for Excellence. He holds a BS in Nutritional Science from Cornell University and an MD from the Temple University School of Medicine in 2007. Dr. Matsko earned a Research Writing Certification from the American Medical Writers Association (AMWA) in 2016 and a Medical Writing & Editing Certification from the University of Chicago in 2017.
    Chris M. Matsko, MD
    Family Medicine Physician
    Expert Answer
    The gallbladder is located in the right upper quadrant (RUQ) of the abdomen and is behind the liver. In order to diagnose gallstones you have to have a physical examination of the RUQ and an ultrasound of the gallbladder. This will show if you have stones or a bile duct obstruction. The surgeon will then be able to tell if you need a cholecystectomy.
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      Warnings

      • Don’t assume that abdominal pain is caused by gallstones or gallbladder disease. Other conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), ulcerative colitis, pneumonia, appendicitis, acid reflux, urinary tract infections, diverticulitis and heart problems can also cause abdominal pain. Seek medical attention if you suffer from severe abdominal pain. [37] [38]
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      References

      1. ↑ Domino, F. (n.d.). The 5-minute clinical consult standard 2015 (23rd ed.)
      2. ↑ Domino, F. (n.d.). The 5-minute clinical consult standard 2015 (23rd ed.)
      3. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gallstones/symptoms-causes/syc-20354214
      4. ↑ Domino, F. (n.d.). The 5-minute clinical consult standard 2015 (23rd ed.)
      5. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gallstones/symptoms-causes/syc-20354214
      6. ↑ Peter Gardner, MD. Board Certified Gastroenterologist. Expert Interview. 25 August 2020.
      7. ↑ Domino, F. (n.d.). The 5-minute clinical consult standard 2015 (23rd ed.)
      8. ↑ Domino, F. (n.d.). The 5-minute clinical consult standard 2015 (23rd ed.)
      9. ↑ Muhammad Khan, MD, MPH. Board-Certified Gastroenterologist. Expert Interview. 24 August 2021.
      1. ↑ Domino, F. (n.d.). The 5-minute clinical consult standard 2015 (23rd ed.)
      2. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gallstones/symptoms-causes/syc-20354214
      3. ↑ Muhammad Khan, MD, MPH. Board-Certified Gastroenterologist. Expert Interview. 24 August 2021.
      4. ↑ Muhammad Khan, MD, MPH. Board-Certified Gastroenterologist. Expert Interview. 24 August 2021.
      5. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/gallstones/DS00165/DSECTION=risk-factors
      6. ↑ Muhammad Khan, MD, MPH. Board-Certified Gastroenterologist. Expert Interview. 24 August 2021.
      7. ↑ Muhammad Khan, MD, MPH. Board-Certified Gastroenterologist. Expert Interview. 24 August 2021.
      8. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gallstones/symptoms-causes/syc-20354214
      9. ↑ Domino, F. (n.d.). The 5-minute clinical consult standard 2015 (23rd ed.)
      10. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gallstones/symptoms-causes/syc-20354214
      11. ↑ Muhammad Khan, MD, MPH. Board-Certified Gastroenterologist. Expert Interview. 24 August 2021.
      12. ↑ Domino, F. (n.d.). The 5-minute clinical consult standard 2015 (23rd ed.)
      13. ↑ Peter Gardner, MD. Board Certified Gastroenterologist. Expert Interview. 25 August 2020.
      14. ↑ Domino, F. (n.d.). The 5-minute clinical consult standard 2015 (23rd ed.)
      15. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/gallstones/DS00165/DSECTION=tests-and-diagnosis
      16. ↑ Domino, F. (n.d.). The 5-minute clinical consult standard 2015 (23rd ed.)
      17. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gallstones/basics/tests-diagnosis/con-20020461
      18. ↑ Domino, F. (n.d.). The 5-minute clinical consult standard 2015 (23rd ed.)
      19. ↑ http://www.pennmedicine.org/gastroenterology/patient-care/gi-procedures/endoscopic-retrograde-cholangiopancreatography-ercp.html
      20. ↑ http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/tests-diagnose-gallbladder-problems
      21. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gallstones/symptoms-causes/syc-20354214
      22. ↑ Muhammad Khan, MD, MPH. Board-Certified Gastroenterologist. Expert Interview. 24 August 2021.
      23. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gallstones/symptoms-causes/syc-20354214
      24. ↑ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19803550
      25. ↑ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15190042
      26. ↑ http://gut.bmj.com/content/54/6/823
      27. ↑ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10499460
      28. ↑ Domino, F. (n.d.). The 5-minute clinical consult standard 2015 (23rd ed.)
      29. ↑ http://www.nytimes.com/health/guides/disease/gallstones/diagnosis.html

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To diagnose gallstones, watch for common symptoms like pain in the upper right part of your abdomen, nausea, vomiting, and fever. If you experience any of these symptoms, visit your doctor so they can diagnose you and recommend treatment. It’s also important to remember that fewer than half of people with gallstones have symptoms, so consider visiting the doctor if you have a family history of gallstones or if you have Crohn's disease or diabetes which both increase your risk of gallstones. At the doctor, you should be prepared to undergo an abdominal ultrasound to detect gallstones. Besides an ultrasound, you may need to get a blood test to determine what’s causing the issue. To learn how to adjust your diet to prevent gallstones, read more from our Medical co-author.

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