Gallstones (gallbladder stones) develop in your digestive tract and can be as small as a grain of sand or as large as a golf ball. Gallstones can cause a blockage in your gallbladder or bile ducts. A diet high in fat or cholesterol can contribute to the development of gallstones.

Kidney stones develop in your urinary tract and can be as small as a grain of sand but can grow to several inches in diameter. Kidney stones move through your urinary tract into your ureter and block the flow of urine. A diet high in sodium, oxalates or animal protein can contribute to the development of kidney stones. An insufficient intake of fluids or calcium can also lead to the formation of kidney stones.

Symptoms of gallstones

If you have gallstones, you may experience the following symptoms:

• Abdominal pain.
• Back pain.
• Chest pain.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Fever and chills.
• Jaundice.
• Dark-colored urine.  

Where does it hurt?

Gallstones cause pain in your mid-upper abdomen that may radiate to your back or under your right shoulder.

Symptoms of kidney stones

If you have kidney stones, you may experience the following symptoms:

• Severe back pain that may travel down to your groin.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Blood in your urine.
• Painful urination.
• Increased frequency or urgency of urination.
• Foul-smelling or cloudy urine.
• Fever and chills.

Read more