What are the symptoms of damp-heat in the liver and gallbladder?
Aug 26, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Lianqing
Introduction
Damp-heat in the liver and gallbladder obstructs qi circulation, leading to significant distending or dull pain in the costal region. The pain may worsen with breathing or body movement. Some individuals may also experience a burning sensation in the costal area, with increased discomfort upon palpation. Severe cases can affect daily activities and rest. During episodes of liver-gallbladder damp-heat, symptoms generally include costal distension and pain, bitter taste and stickiness in the mouth, jaundice, short and dark urine, and emotional irritability.
During an episode of damp-heat in the liver and gallbladder, common symptoms generally include distending pain in the hypochondriac region, bitter taste and stickiness in the mouth, jaundice, short and dark urine, and emotional irritability. If concerns arise, it is recommended to seek medical advice promptly. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Distending Pain in the Hypochondriac Region: Damp-heat in the liver and gallbladder impedes the flow of Qi, causing significant distending or dull pain in the rib area. The pain may intensify with breathing or body movement. Some individuals may also experience a burning sensation in the rib area, with increased discomfort upon palpation. Severe cases can affect daily activities and rest.
2. Bitter Taste and Stickiness in the Mouth: Damp-heat pathogens rising upward to affect the oral cavity cause a persistent bitter taste and a sticky, uncomfortable feeling inside the mouth. This sensation becomes particularly noticeable during speech or swallowing and cannot be relieved even after drinking water multiple times. Symptoms of bitter taste and oral stickiness are typically more pronounced upon waking in the morning.
3. Jaundice: Damp-heat interfering with bile excretion leads to abnormal metabolism of bilirubin, resulting in yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (sclera). Some individuals may also experience darkened urine, appearing deep yellow or tea-colored. The severity of jaundice fluctuates with the intensity of damp-heat; the yellow discoloration becomes more pronounced when damp-heat worsens.
4. Short and Dark Urine: When damp-heat from the liver and gallbladder moves downward into the urinary system, it causes reduced urine volume, with the color turning yellow or reddish. Urination may be accompanied by a slight burning sensation or a feeling of incomplete voiding. Some individuals may also experience increased frequency of urination with smaller volumes each time.
5. Emotional Irritability: The liver and gallbladder govern the smooth flow of Qi and emotions. Damp-heat obstructing this function can lead to emotional irritability and anger, constant feelings of restlessness, and difficulty in calming down. Some individuals may also experience insomnia and frequent dreams, with difficulty falling asleep at night or poor sleep quality.
If the above symptoms of liver and gallbladder damp-heat occur, timely adjustments to lifestyle habits are necessary. Diet should be light and bland, avoiding spicy and greasy foods. Maintaining regular作息 (作息 should be translated as "作息" here, which means maintaining regular作息 patterns or作息 routine)作息 patterns and engaging in moderate physical activity are also recommended.
