Despite its small size of only about 7 cm, the gallbladder plays a vital role in the digestion of food. Impairment of its function can lead to serious health problems.
In an interview with the newspaper "Izvestia", Dr. Ekaterina Kashukh, a gastroenterologist, points to the symptoms that appear in the case of gallbladder dysfunction.
Doctor: Office workers are at risk of developing gallbladder disease
Doctor: Office workers are at risk of developing gallbladder disease
She says: "Among the most common gallbladder problems, inflammation caused by gallstones, and often without them, can be distinguished. Another common disease is cholecystitis, that is, a disruption in the contractile function of the gallbladder and bile ducts, which leads to bile stasis and failure to break down and absorb fats. Diseases such as cirrhosis of the liver or certain types of infections also affect the function of the gallbladder."
The doctor points out that it is not easy to detect a problem with the gallbladder. However, the body does send out certain signals in this case.
She says: "The symptoms of gallbladder dysfunction can vary, but in most cases the person complains of mild pain in the right hypochondrium, which can spread to the back or right shoulder, a feeling of heaviness and fullness in the abdomen (especially after fatty foods or heavy meals), constipation, or conversely, diarrhea, and changes in the color and consistency of the stool."
In addition, according to her, people often cannot tolerate fatty foods, as consuming them can cause severe abdominal pain, sometimes accompanied by sharp pain and vomiting. The metabolism of bilirubin, a bile pigment, may be disrupted, leading to jaundice. As a result, the skin and whites of the eyes may acquire a yellow tint. However, this does not always occur. This, of course, affects digestion and can lead to other conditions such as pancreatitis, and stomach and duodenal ulcers.
She says: "Bile stasis can occur for various reasons: hormonal changes, excess weight, a sedentary lifestyle, and malnutrition. Fatty, fried, spicy, and canned foods, as well as regular alcohol consumption, contribute to bile stasis and the formation of gallstones in the gallbladder and bile ducts."
According to her, genetic predisposition plays a significant role. The density of bile and the formation of gallstones depend on both sex and heredity. For example, overweight women with blonde hair who are over 50 years old are more prone to de
