Pain in the belly? Here’s how to tell if it’s gallstones or kidney stones

Symptoms of gallstones and kidney stones: Although both conditions cause severe pain, the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for gallstones and kidney stones are markedly different (Image: Canva)

The confusion between gallstones and kidney stones is common, yet understanding their distinctions is crucial for proper treatment. It begins with a sudden, sharp pain in your upper right abdomen, often flaring up after a rich meal. The discomfort intensifies, radiating to your back or shoulder, leaving you restless and uneasy. Many people experiencing this may not realise that the same kind of intense pain can arise from a different source entirely.

Gallstones are solid particles that form in the gallbladder, primarily from excess cholesterol or bilirubin, and can vary in size from tiny grains to large stones. They may cause symptoms such as sharp abdominal pain, particularly after fatty meals, and can lead to complications like cholecystitis or bile duct obstruction.

On the other hand, kidney stones are hard mineral and salt deposits that develop in the kidneys when urine becomes concentrated, allowing minerals to crystallise. These stones can be composed of calcium, struvite, uric acid, or cystine, and often cause severe pain, known as renal colic, as they move through the urinary tract. Both conditions require medical attention for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Also read | Kidney stones: Symptoms, causes, risk factors, prevention, and home remedies

Although both conditions can cause severe pain, the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for gallstones and kidney stones are markedly different, says Dr Srikanth Gundlapalli, Senior Consultant Nephrologist at Asian Institute of Nephrology and Urology in Hyderabad.

He explains some key differences to help clear the confusion:

Location and type of pain: Gallstones typically cause pain in the upper right abdomen, often radiating to the back or shoulder, especially after fatty meals. However, kidney stones present with intense flank pain that may extend to the groin.

Associated symptoms: Gallstones may lead to nausea, bloating, and indigestion, while kidney stones often result in blood in the urine and increased urinary frequency.

Causes and risk factors: Gallstones are linked to obesity, rapid weight loss, and metabolic issues, whereas kidney stones can be caused by dehydration, excessive calcium intake, and genetic predisposition.

Understanding these differences can help ensure timely and appropriate treatment for these painful conditions.

Also read | What causes gallstones and how to cure abdominal pain: Beware of these risk factors, check your diet

Home remedies:

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) the standard treatment for gallstones is surgery to remove the gallbladder. Nonsurgical treatments may be an option for cholesterol stones, but pigment stones usually need surgery. However, for kidney stones, you may drink 2-3 liters of water daily to flush out stones. Regularly consuming lemon juice with water can break down calcium stones, and apple cider vinegar may assist in dissolving them.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.