The gallbladder: Function, health, and common problems

The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ located beneath the liver on the right side of the abdomen. Although it is relatively small—about the size of a thumb—it plays an important role in the digestive system, particularly in the digestion of fats. The gallbladder’s main function is to store and concentrate bile, a digestive fluid produced by the liver.

Bile helps break down fats into smaller components that the body can absorb more easily. When a person eats a meal containing fat, the gallbladder contracts and releases bile into the small intestine through a series of ducts. This process allows for efficient digestion and absorption of fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamins A, D, E, and K.

One of the most common gallbladder problems is gallstones. Gallstones are hardened deposits of bile that can form when bile contains too much cholesterol or bilirubin, or when the gallbladder does not empty properly. Many people with gallstones experience no symptoms, but others may develop pain in the upper right abdomen, nausea, vomiting, or bloating—especially after eating fatty foods. This pain is often referred to as a gallbladder attack.

Another condition is cholecystitis, which is inflammation of the gallbladder, usually caused by gallstones blocking a bile duct. If left untreated, it can lead to serious complications, including infection or rupture of the gallbladder. In such cases, medical treatment or surgery may be required.

Interestingly, the gallbladder is not essential for survival. If it must be removed—a procedure known as cholecystectomy—the liver continues to produce bile, which flows directly into the small intestine. Most people can live a normal life without a gallbladder, though some may need to adjust their diet.

Maintaining a healthy diet, managing weight, and staying physically active can help support gallbladder health and reduce the risk of gallbladder-related problems.