Gallstones are solid, pebble-like formations that can develop inside the gallbladder — a tiny, pear-shaped organ located beneath the liver on the right side of the abdomen.

 The primary job of the gallbladder is to store bile, a digestive fluid produced by the liver. Occasionally, certain components of bile, especially cholesterol, can clump together and form stones. Many people have gallstones without any symptoms, but when a stone becomes large enough to block the flow of bile, it can cause significant pain and problems (cholecystitis).

In most cases, gallstones pass naturally without the need for treatment. However, if a stone becomes lodged, it can lead to intense pain, inflammation, or infection. In severe cases, surgical removal of the gallbladder may be necessary. Both situations carry the risk of developing sepsis — which needs immediate diagnosis and treatment before it becomes a medical emergency.

If gallstones are large and cause of blockage of the ducts, symptoms can advance suddenly. Increasing pain below your breastbone, between your shoulder blades, pain in your right shoulder, in the upper part of your abdomen can all be serious signs. If you experience nausea, abdominal pain that makes it difficult to be still, high fever and chills, yellowing of your skin and eyes and discolored urine, you should seek emergency help

Treatment can include fasting, IV fluids, antibiotics and pain medicines. Often, an ultrasound, imaging and blood tests will take place and sometimes the gallstones will need to be removed and the gallbladder drained. In serious cases, surgery will be performed to remove the gallbladder (cholecystectomy)

To prevent gallbladder one should maintain a healthy weight, eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and seek medical attention when serious symptoms occur.