May also be called: Gallstones Cholelithiasis (ko-leh-lih-THY-uh-sis) is the medical term for the presence of gallstones, which are hard, pebble-like objects made of bile that form in the gallbladder. More to Know The gallbladder is a small organ just below the liver in the top right of the belly. It stores bile, a fluid produced by the liver to help digest fat in the foods we eat. Sometimes, material in the bile sticks together and forms hard, pebble-like objects (gallstones). There are two main types of gallstones: those made from cholesterol and those made from bilirubin (a pigment made by the breakdown of red blood cells). Gallstones can happen in people with sickle cell disease or other conditions, or who are receiving certain treatments. Many people who have gallstones don't have any symptoms. But if a gallstone gets stuck going out the opening of the gallbladder, it can cause pain in the top or the top right of the belly, below the right shoulder blade, or in the back. The pain may get worse after eating fatty foods. A person with gallstones also might have nausea or vomiting. Sometimes, small gallstones leave the body on their own, and those that do not cause symptoms or problems might not need treatment. But gallstones that cause symptoms often need to be treated with gallbladder-removal surgery. After surgery, gallstones will not return. Sometimes, medicine is used to dissolve gallstones made of cholesterol, but it can take years to work and new gallstones can still develop after treatment. Keep in Mind People who have had gallstones sometimes get them again, and those who didn't have symptoms from previous gallstones may develop them. Contact your doctor if symptoms appear. All A to Z dictionary entries are regularly reviewed by KidsHealth medical experts. Back to Articles Related Articles Blood Test: Amylase An amylase test may be done if a child has signs of a problem with the pancreas, such as belly pain, nausea, or vomiting. Read More Blood Test: Lipase A lipase test may be done if a child has signs of a problem with the pancreas, such as belly pain, nausea, or vomiting. Read More What's Cholesterol? Chances are, you've heard about cholesterol a lot lately, but you might be wondering what it is. Here's your chance to get the lowdown in our article just for kids. Read More A to Z: Cholangitis Learn more about infections and problems of the liver and biliary tract. Read More Cholesterol Most parents probably don't think about what cholesterol means for their kids. But high cholesterol is a risk factor for heart disease, which has its roots in childhood. Read More Cholesterol Cholesterol is a type of fat found in your blood. The body needs some cholesterol, but too much can be a problem. Discover more about cholesterol in this article for teens. Read More Sickle Cell Disease Sickle cell disease is a disease of the blood. Red blood cells are shaped like sickles, and can get stuck, especially inside smaller blood vessels. Read More Sickle Cell Disease Sickle cell disease is a blood disorder that makes red blood cells change shape and cause health problems. Find out how to help your child. Read More Digestive System Most people think digestion begins when you first put food in your mouth. But the digestive process actually starts even before the food hits your taste buds. Read More Your Digestive System The digestive system breaks down the food you eat. Learn how in this article for kids. Read More Digestive System The digestive process starts even before the first bite of food. Find out more about the digestive system and how our bodies break down and absorb the food we eat. Read More Sickle Cell Disease Sickle cell disease is a blood disorder that makes red blood cells change shape and cause health problems. Find out more in this article for teens. Read More Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. © 1995-2021 KidsHealth®. All rights reserved. Images provided by The Nemours Foundation, iStock, Getty Images, Veer, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com.