Gallstones and Other Gallbladder Problems Everyday Health Menu NewslettersSearch Gallbladder Gallstones and Other Gallbladder Problems Gallstones can cause severe abdominal pain — or you may have no symptoms at all. By Diana RodriguezMedically Reviewed by Sanjai Sinha, MD Reviewed: April 26, 2018 Medically Reviewed X-ray shows a patient with mixed gallstones (pink).Getty Images Gallstones, also known as cholelithiasis, are a very common gallbladder problem. The gallbladder is a sac that stores a substance called bile, which is produced by the liver. After meals, the gallbladder contracts and releases bile into the small intestine to aid in digestion. Gallstones occur when one or more of the substances that make up the bile (usually cholesterol or a waste product called bilirubin) becomes too concentrated and forms a hard stone. Often gallstones just sit in the gallbladder and don't cause problems. But sometimes they block the exit from the gallbladder, called the cystic duct. When this occurs, the gallbladder goes into spasms and becomes inflamed, a condition called cholecystitis.An episode of cholecystitis may go away on its own, or it may progress to a more serious condition involving a bacterial infection of the Causes of Gallstones It’s not always clear why gallstones form in a given person, nor do doctors know all the factors that contribute to the formation of gallstones. Some possible causes include: Excess bilirubin, a chemical produced when your body breaks down red blood cells, in the bileExcess cholesterol in the bileImproper emptying of the gallbladder, causing bile to become concentrated (2) Risk Factors for Gallstones Factors that increase your risk of developing gallstones include:A family history of gallstonesA sedentary lifestyleBeing femaleBeing age 40 or olderBeing of Native American or Mexican-American descentHaving diabetesHaving Gallstone Symptoms It's not uncommon for gallstones to cause no symptoms at all. In this case, they may be discovered while you're being screened or tested for some other health problem.But in many people, gallstones can cause Gallstone Diagnosis If your symptoms indicate that you may have gallstones, your Gallstone Treatment There are a couple treatment options for gallstones, which may be chosen based on how frequent or severe your symptoms are. These include: Medication A few types of medication, including oral bile salt therapy, work to slowly break down small gallstones to reduce pain and other symptoms. These medicines may take months or even years to break down your gallstones, and sometimes they’re simply not effective. Gallstones may also return once you stop taking them. For these reasons, medication to remove gallstones is usually reserved for cases in which surgery isn’t an option. (2)Painkillers, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ( Other Gallbladder Problems It’s possible to Related Understanding the Link Between PSC and UCAIDS-Related Narrowing of Bile Ducts In NEWSLETTERS Sign up for our Digestive Health Newsletter SubscribeBy subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Editorial Sources and Fact-Checking ReferencesGallbladder Diseases. Show Less The Latest in Gallbladder Symptoms of a Gallbladder Problem You don’t typically spend much time thinking about your gallbladder. 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One study indicates that idea may be correct.By Krisha McCoyApril 26, 2018 What Is Cholecystitis? Cholecystitis is a big word for the simple — but potentially painful — problem of gallbladder inflammation.By Diana RodriguezApril 20, 2018 The Link Between Gallstones, Obesity, and Weight Loss Obesity increases your chances of developing gallstones, but so do weight loss surgery and certain types of diets. Find out how to safely reduce your ...By Erica Ilton, RDN, CDNApril 20, 2018 Gallbladder Surgery Complications While serious complications are rare, it’s important to know what to look out for.By Quinn PhillipsApril 20, 2018 Your Diet After Gallbladder Removal After gallbladder surgery, digestion can be tricky for a while. 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