Bile Duct Strike

Bile Duct Strike: Impaired Motility and Its Consequences

A teenage girl, having tried an unfamiliar dish, felt unwell. However, one morning she woke up with a sharp pain in her stomach. The doctor suspected bile duct dyskinesia and recommended an ultrasound examination. The word "dyskinesia" comes from a Greek root: the prefix "dys" means "impairment" and the root "kinetos" means "movable." Consequently, biliary dyskinesia is a violation of their mobility.

Bile plays an important role in the digestion process. It is produced in the liver, then enters the gallbladder, from there it is delivered to the duodenum. The bile ducts, including the gallbladder, have a layer of muscle that can contract to move bile. In some places, the muscle layer is thickened and forms sphincters - a kind of “gate” for bile. When food does not enter the intestine and bile is not required, the sphincters remain closed. However, just ten minutes after the start of the meal, the secretion of bile begins. The gallbladder contracts, pushing bile into the ducts. At this moment, the muscle “gate” also opens, and bile quickly enters the duodenum. The normal functioning of the biliary tract requires the coordinated work of all components. However, if problems arise, it can lead to dyskinesia.

Dyskinesia of the bile ducts is the most common pathology among disorders of the motor functions of the biliary tract. It most often occurs in children and young people, especially women. The sensitivity of bile secretion to even the slightest changes in the body can contribute to the development of this disease. Some common causes of dyskinesia include neuroses, diseases of the digestive system, allergies, endocrine disorders (especially ovarian dysfunction and thyroid diseases), adverse psycho-emotional factors in children, such as attending kindergarten or school, changes in daily routine, diet, and isolation from family. A special role in the development of the disease is played by poor nutrition, including the consumption of fatty, fried and spicy foods, as well as irregular meals.

Symptoms of bile duct dyskinesia may include:

  1. Pain in the right hypochondrium or upper abdomen. The pain can be sharp, paroxysmal or aching and may intensify after eating food, especially fatty or fried foods.

  2. Dyspeptic disorders such as nausea, vomiting, heartburn, belching or increased gas formation.

  3. Bowel problems such as diarrhea or constipation.

  4. General weakness, fatigue, irritability.

Various tests may be used to diagnose bile duct dyskinesia, including ultrasound of the gallbladder and bile ducts, functional tests using a simulated meal, or cholecystography (x-ray examination using a contrast agent).

Treatment for bile duct dyskinesia may include:

  1. Diet. It is recommended to exclude fatty, fried, spicy and spicy foods from the diet. It is recommended to eat food in small portions and regularly.

  2. Drug therapy. The doctor may prescribe medications that help improve the contractile function of the biliary tract or reduce pain.

  3. Physiotherapy. Physiotherapeutic procedures such as ultrasound therapy, electrophoresis, magnetic therapy can help improve the mobility of the bile ducts.

  4. Psychotherapy. Psychological support and counseling may be helpful, especially if psycho-emotional factors play a role in the development of the disease.

It is important to see a doctor for diagnosis and to determine the best treatment approach. The doctor will be able to recommend an individual treatment program, taking into account the characteristics of each patient.