The Organ Nobody Talks About — Until It Hurts

Tucked under your liver and about the size of a pear, your gallbladder doesn’t get much attention — until it starts to malfunction. Its job is to store and release bile, a digestive fluid that helps your body break down fats. But when that process is disrupted by gallstones, inflammation, or bile duct blockages, things can go downhill fast.

Gallbladder problems affect millions of Americans every year, but because the symptoms often mimic indigestion or food intolerance, many people dismiss them until the pain becomes unbearable.

Here’s how to recognize the early signs of gallbladder trouble, what to expect from testing, and how to have an informed conversation with your doctor about treatment.

1. Upper-Right Abdominal Pain (Especially After

See Full Page