Should I Be Worried About Having Gallstones?

Gallstones are more common than many people realize — and while they don’t always cause symptoms, they can sometimes lead to serious health problems if left untreated. If you’ve been diagnosed with gallstones or are experiencing unexplained abdominal discomfort, it’s natural to wonder whether you should be concerned.

At the offices of David P. Yamini, MD, in Santa Monica and Beverly Hills, CA, we help patients understand, manage, and treat gallstones with expert care. Dr. Yamini is double-board certified in Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine, with advanced training and experience to help you find relief and avoid complications.

What Are Gallstones?

Gallstones are solid particles that form in the gallbladder, a small organ located beneath the liver. They develop when substances like cholesterol, bile salts, and bilirubin become imbalanced and harden into stones.

Gallstones vary in size — some as small as a grain of sand, others as large as a golf ball. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), an estimated 10-15% of adults in the U.S. have gallstones, although many people never experience symptoms.

Several factors can contribute to the formation of gallstones, including:

• Excess cholesterol in the bile
• Too much bilirubin (a substance produced when red blood cells break down)
• Poor gallbladder emptying

Certain individuals may be more prone to developing gallstones due to genetic, lifestyle, or medical factors. You may be at higher risk for gallstones if you:

• Are female
• Are over the age of 40
• Have a family history of gallstones
• Are overweight or obese
• Have rapid weight loss or follow a very low-calorie diet
• Have certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or liver disease
• Are pregnant or taking hormone therapy

Women, particularly those who are pregnant or taking estrogen-based medications, are more likely to develop gallstones due to hormonal changes.

Should You Be Worried?

In many cases, gallstones cause no symptoms and don’t require treatment. However, when they block the flow of bile, they can trigger a condition known as gallstone disease or cholelithiasis. Common symptoms include:

• Sudden, intense pain in the upper right abdomen or middle of the abdomen
• Nausea or vomiting
• Indigestion or bloating after meals
• Pain radiating to the back or right shoulder

If left untreated, gallstones can cause serious complications, including:

• Gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis)
• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
• Bile duct infection or blockage
• Gallbladder rupture

These complications can lead to hospitalization, infection, or even life-threatening situations.

How Dr. David P. Yamini Can Help

If you’re concerned about gallstones or are experiencing symptoms, early evaluation is key. Dr. David Yamini has extensive experience diagnosing and treating gallstone-related conditions. As a double board-certified gastroenterologist and internal medicine specialist, he provides comprehensive, personalized care — whether you need diagnostic imaging, lifestyle guidance, medication, or surgical removal of the gallbladder or gallstones.

With offices conveniently located in Santa Monica and Beverly Hills, Dr. Yamini welcomes patients throughout the Los Angeles area. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help you manage gallstones and protect your digestive health.