Gallstones
Gallstones are solid deposits that form inside the gallbladder, a small organ tucked beneath the liver. They range from a grain of sand to a golf ball and often cause no symptoms at all, but when one blocks a bile duct the result can be sudden, severe pain in the upper right abdomen.
Key points
- Most stones develop when bile holds a higher cholesterol load than it can keep in solution, and sizes vary widely.
- When a stone blocks the bile duct, it can trigger sudden, intense pain on the right side of the upper abdomen.
- Ursodeoxycholic acid gives a medicine-only option for small stones, gradually cutting the cholesterol the liver adds to bile.
Why they form and who is affected
Most gallstones are cholesterol stones, produced when bile contains more cholesterol than it can keep dissolved. Risk rises with age, a high-fat diet, rapid weight loss, and certain metabolic conditions. Rising obesity rates alongside changing diets have contributed to increasing gallstone prevalence in recent decades.
Dissolving stones without surgery
For small cholesterol stones in a functioning gallbladder, ursodeoxycholic acid offers a non-surgical route. It works by reducing the amount of cholesterol secreted into bile, gradually making the stones dissolve over months. It is not suitable for all stone types, and larger or calcified stones generally need surgical removal. If you experience sudden intense pain, fever, or yellowing of the skin, seek medical attention promptly, as these can signal a blocked duct or infection. More general support for the digestive system is covered in the digestive health section.
Further reading
What are gallstones?
Gallstones are solid deposits that form inside the gallbladder, a small organ beneath the liver. They can range in size from a grain of sand to a golf ball.
What causes gallstones?
Most gallstones are cholesterol stones, formed when bile contains more cholesterol than it can keep dissolved. The risk rises with age, a high-fat diet, rapid weight loss and certain metabolic conditions.
What are the symptoms of gallstones?
Many stones cause no symptoms at all. When a stone blocks the bile duct, it can cause sudden, severe pain in the upper right abdomen.
How are gallstones treated?
For small cholesterol stones in a functioning gallbladder, ursodeoxycholic acid is used to dissolve the stones gradually over months. Larger or calcified stones generally need surgical removal. If you get sudden intense pain, fever or yellowing of the skin, seek medical attention promptly, as these can signal a blocked duct or infection.
Which treatments for gallstones can I order?
The medicines listed for gallstones contain ursodeoxycholic acid. Examples include Urso and Actigall. Each product page lists the strengths and forms.
Are medicines for gallstones available over the counter in Thailand?
Yes, online. Yasabai does not ask for a prescription to order medicines for gallstones. We are an online store, not a dispensing pharmacy; we arrange your order and delivery on your behalf.
Ordering without a prescription →Can I order medicines for gallstones online in Thailand?
Yes. Our pharmacy partners ship from India to Thailand and across Asia in discreet packaging. Standard Airmail takes up to 3 weeks; Express Tracked Courier takes up to 1 week.
How ordering works →