Ambulance 912HAP 9252
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General health information

Gallstones

Gallstones are hard particles in the gallbladder or bile ducts. Many people have no symptoms. If a stone temporarily blocks a drainage duct, it can cause severe pain in the upper right or upper middle of the abdomen. Persistent pain, fever, jaundice, drowsiness or becoming increasingly unwell may indicate inflammation or a blockage and need prompt medical assessment.

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  • Gallstones are hard particles that usually form in the gallbladder. They often consist mainly of cholesterol, but may also consist of bile pigment. Many gallstones are found by chance and never cause symptoms.
  • Symptoms mainly occur when a stone obstructs bile drainage. A temporary blockage can cause a gallbladder attack; a persistent blockage may lead to inflammation of the gallbladder or bile ducts, jaundice or inflammation of the pancreas.
  • An ordinary gallbladder attack usually causes severe, constant upper abdominal pain. Fever, chills, jaundice, drowsiness, low blood pressure or worsening pain suggest a complication.
  • The doctor uses the history, physical examination, blood tests and usually ultrasound. Not all abdominal pain after fatty food is caused by gallstones; heart, stomach, liver and pancreatic problems can look similar.
  • Call the same day for warning signs. Outside office hours, the out-of-hours GP service (HAP) on 9252 provides urgent GP care. Call Ambulance 912 only for immediate danger to life.

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