Symptoms of gallstones are often called a gallstone "attack" because they occur suddenly. A typical attack can cause

• Steady, severe pain in the upper abdomen that increases rapidly and lasts from 30 minutes to several hours.
• Pain in the back between the shoulder blades.
• Pain under the right shoulder.
• Nausea or vomiting.

Gallstone attacks often follow fatty meals, and they may occur during the night. Other gallstone symptoms include

• Abdominal bloating.
• Recurring intolerance of fatty foods.
• Colic.
• Belching.
• Gas.
• Indigestion.

People who also have the following symptoms should see a doctor right away:

• Sweating.
• Chills.
• Low-grade fever.
• Yellowish color of the skin or whites of the eyes.
• Clay-colored stools.

Many people with gallstones have no symptoms. These patients are said to be asymptomatic, and these stones are called "silent stones." They do not interfere in gallbladder, liver, or pancreas function and do not need treatment.