Gallstones, Cholelithiasis
Gallstones are hard substances, usually from bile, that block the flow of bile from the Gallbladder through the bile duct. Bile is made by the liver to help your body digest fat. When the bile cannot get through to the stomach and intestines to help with this digestion, you may experience nausea, vomiting or pain in the abdomen, back or just under the right arm. When these symptoms occur together after eating, they are commonly referred to as a gallstone attack.
People at highest risk for gallstones are older adults, women, if you are overweight, Native American, or Mexican American.
If you suspect you may be suffering a gallstone attack, you need to see a healthcare professional right away. If the chosen course of treatment is to remove the gallbladder, bile can get to the small intestine through other routes.