Have you ever had a gallstone? Many people haven’t even heard of them, but they are actually quite common. Although they sometimes occur and pass without a person experiencing any symptoms, they can cause pain, discomfort, and even complications, so it’s good to know what they are and the symptoms you may experience.

First of all, it’s good to have some basic definitions. Gallstones are hardened deposits or “stones” of digestive fluid – also known as bile – that can form in your gallbladder.