11 Digestive Health Problems: Causes and Solutions Explained

10. Gallstones — Causes and When Surgery Helps

Gallstones are hardened deposits that form in the gallbladder and can cause sudden severe pain in the upper right abdomen. Risk factors include obesity, rapid weight loss, female sex, and certain dietary patterns. Many people have silent stones that need no treatment, but symptomatic stones causing recurrent pain or complications often require cholecystectomy — removal of the gallbladder. Diet-wise, avoiding very high-fat meals and maintaining a healthy weight are practical prevention steps; large, crash diets can increase stone formation risk. Ultrasound is the usual diagnostic test. If you have intense, recurring pain, fever, yellowing of the skin, or persistent nausea, get urgent medical assessment because infection or blockage may require prompt surgery or specialist care.