what are symptoms of gallbladder stones

Welcome to e health forum.

The common presentation due to gall bladder dysfunction include - Pain or tenderness under the rib cage on the right side , Pain between shoulder blades, Stools light or chalky colored, Indigestion after eating, especially fatty or greasy foods, Nausea, Dizziness, Bloating, Gas, Burping or belching, Feeling of fullness or food not digesting, Diarrhea (or alternating from soft to watery) and or Constipation.

The proper diagnosis of the condition can be done with a few blood tests and a ultrasound of the abdomen.

In case, the gall bladder has findings of stones, inflammation or a reduced ejection fraction (HIDA scan), then conservative measures can be tried to postpone surgery. Improved diet (Avoidance of high fatty foods and grease), Physical exercise, weight loss provide the best results in individuals with low functioning gall bladder. Medicines to improve digestion and cleanse the gall bladder can also be prescribed to help in improvement of symptoms.

The definitive treatment of such conditions is cholecystectomy for patients who are able to tolerate surgery.

In many patients, coexistent GERD is also a contributing factor for the symptoms. Hence in many individuals who undergo Gall bladder removal, the symptoms due to GERD will cause persistent symptoms. Hence it is important to work with a gastroenterologist and rule out Gastric Reflux disorder, and treat it properly. Effective treatment of such conditions may negate the need for a gall bladder surgery.

But in case, the symptoms are predominantly due to gall bladder, then treatment of both GERD and gallbladder removal may be needed.

You might consider to consult your health care provider for additional information and seek proper advice.

I hope this helps.