Q. Can gallstones cause GI problems like nausea, loss of appetite, or constipation?

Answered by

and medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team.

This is a premium question & answer published on Aug 16, 2023 and last reviewed on: Nov 09, 2023

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I am a 27-year-old man and have been experiencing GI problems. I have been facing for the last two months or so. I have experienced loss of appetite, weight loss, nausea, constipation, alternating diarrhea, dark urine, and yellowish-colored stools that are often smelly and greasy. This led me to seek my physician, who did two blood tests in a month which showed an elevation in bilirubin. I had an ultrasound performed which revealed that I have gallstones biggest being eight millimeters. I had two or three bouts of significant pain in the gallbladder area and the lower right quadrant of my abdomen, where my appendix is located. Could gallstones cause my symptoms, and if so, should I get them removed?

Thanks.

Answered by Dr. Babu Lal Meena

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Yes, symptoms can be caused by stones. It can cause pain in two ways, one is infection, and the second is obstruction. We are not concerned about bigger stones, and smaller stones can pass from gall bladder and get impacted in common bile duct. This can cause cholecystitis and pancreatitis. Removal of stones is indicated when these are multiple and the size is more than 0.4 inch. Pain can be because of constipation. You should take laxatives and plenty of water if not taken.

I advise you to do the following:

Do liver function test and complete blood count.
Take a Polyethylene glycol 120 gm packet in two liters of water for one day only, followed by 30 gm once a day.

Consult a specialist doctor and take medications with their consent.

Kindly review back with reports.

I hope this information will help you.

Thanks.

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