Gallstones: Symptoms, Causes, Treatments, and Natural Approaches

Gallstones, hardened deposits that form in the gallbladder, affect up to 20 percent of people in Western countries.

Gallstones cause sudden, severe pain in the upper right abdomen, often with nausea and vomiting. Illustration by Fei Meng

Gallstones (cholelithiasis) are small, hardened deposits that form in the gallbladder, the small organ tucked beneath the liver that stores and releases bile to help with digestion. Gallstones affect up to 20 percent of people in Western countries. While many people have no symptoms, these stones can cause intense pain and life-threatening complications if they block bile ducts.

Gallstone disease is one of the most expensive digestive disorders, leading to about 1 million gallbladder removal surgeries (cholecystectomies) annually in the United States. Though surgery may relieve acute pain, it often fails to address the underlying cause, leaving some individuals with persistent or new digestive issues.