To know if you have gallstones, you should look for certain symptoms and get appropriate diagnostic tests:

Symptoms of Gallstones

• Many people with gallstones have no symptoms.
• Symptoms can include:
  • Pain in the upper right abdomen or middle upper abdomen lasting 30 minutes to several hours.
  • Pain may spread to the back or right shoulder.
  • Pain often occurs after eating fatty meals.
  • Nausea, vomiting, or indigestion.
  • Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice).
  • Fever or chills if infection or inflammation occurs.
• The pain can be severe and sudden (biliary colic) and may come and go or be constant for several hours.

Diagnosing Gallstones

• Doctors usually start with an abdominal ultrasound , which is the most common and effective test to detect gallstones.
• Other imaging tests include CT scans, MRI, endoscopic ultrasound, and HIDA scans.
• Blood tests may be done to check for liver function, infection, or inflammation.
• In some cases, endoscopy procedures can identify and remove gallstones.

When to See a Doctor

• If you experience severe or ongoing abdominal pain, fever, jaundice, or vomiting, seek medical attention promptly.
• These symptoms may indicate complications like infection or blockage.

In summary, if someone has symptoms like upper abdominal pain (especially after fatty meals), nausea, or jaundice, they should consult a healthcare provider who will likely order an abdominal ultrasound to confirm if gallstones are present.