What Role Does the Gallbladder Play in Developing Jaundice?

Jaundice, one of the common health conditions that people suffer from, is mainly because of the improper processing of bilirubin and their build-up in the bloodstream. Usually, an individual with jaundice appears yellowing skin and eyes due to the presence of a high level of bilirubin in the blood. There may be a common question among the general public the gallbladder have any role in the processing of bilirubin and the development of jaundice, the simple answer is yes. The bilirubin that will be contained in the bile is secreted by the liver and stored in the gallbladder in that case the liver plays a significant role in the processing of bilirubin and eliminating it from the body. If you want to know more about the role of gallbladder in jaundice stick to the below content.

The gallbladder and its role in bile storage

The gallbladder is a small organ that appears as a pear-shaped body and is located below the liver. The main and ultimate function of the gallbladder is to receive and store the bile that comes from the liver. When an individual takes fatty meals the gallbladder pours bile into the small intestine in that case when the bile duct that supplies bile from the gallbladder to the small intestine is obstructed by the gallstones there it cannot empty it properly. The bile helps the digestion of the fats and also carries the bilirubin and other waste products from where it is eventually excreted from the body in the stool.

How does the gallbladder influence bilirubin processing?

In general, bilirubin is a byproduct of the breakdown of red blood cells.  In this case, the liver that processes the bilirubin binds it with the bile which is present in the gallbladder. While the fat meal gets inside the stomach, the bile releases bile along with the bilirubin into the small intestine from where they are excreted out of the body but any condition that interferes with the gallbladder’s function may lead to the inability to excrete bilirubin, as a result, they accumulate in the body. When bilirubin builds up in the blood, it leads to jaundice.

Gallbladder conditions that can lead to jaundice

Several gallbladder-related conditions may have a greater contribution to the jaundice by disturbing the normal flow of bile and bilirubin out of the body. Below are some of the primary gallbladder diseases,

Gallstones

Gallstones formation may also lead to the formation of jaundice in an individual. Gallstones are hardened solid particles that stay up in the gallbladder or the bile duct as a result the bile cannot reach the small intestine this leads to the build-up of bilirubin along with the bile causing jaundice.

Cholecystitis

Cholecystitis is a condition that is caused by the temporary blockage of a bile duct by a gallstone. It occurs when the gallstone obstructs the flow of bile thereby the gallbladder becomes inflamed, and bile may accumulate. In case this condition is not resolved, it can lead to acute cholecystitis. The prolonged obstruction can result in jaundice due to the buildup of bilirubin in the bloodstream.

Cholangitis

Cholangitis is an infectious condition of the bile ducts and is most often caused by an obstructing gallstone in the duct. Due to the blockage, it may result in infection which leads to disruption of bile flow and a buildup of bilirubin. 

The contribution of the gallbladder is higher in the development of jaundice, the processing of bilirubin is obstructed when the bile flow is obstructed by gallstones or other conditions. Through the proper diagnosis and treatment, gallbladder-related issues could be prevented and also jaundice could be resolved. While you are experiencing any kind of signs and symptoms of jaundice immediately consult a healthcare practitioner to treat and manage them.

For effective jaundice treatment, trust GEM Hospital’s experienced specialists. Receive personalized care and advanced solutions. Schedule your consultation now for comprehensive health management.