Cholecystitis
On this page, you will find everything you need to know about cholecystitis.
What is cholecystitis?
The gallbladder’s function is to store bile produced in the liver and release it into the small intestine after any meal to aid in digesting and absorbing fats.
Cholecystitis can be described as the redness and swelling that affect the gallbladder, often due to the presence of stones, causing inflammation or infection.
What are the symptoms of cholecystitis?
- In most cases, a cholecystitis attack lasts from two to three days, and symptoms may vary from person to person. These symptoms include:
- Sharp pain in the upper right side of the abdomen that extends to the right shoulder is the most common symptom.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Sweating.
- Fever.)
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice).
Abdominal bloating.
What causes cholecystitis?
- The causes of cholecystitis can be classified into two categories:
Gallstone cholecystitis:
- This usually occurs when stones block the gallbladder, preventing bile from passing to the bile ducts. The gallbladder swells and may get infected with bacteria.
Acalculous cholecystitis:
- This is less common, but usuallymore severe, and occurs dueto gallbladder damage caused by:
- Severe injuries or burns.
- Reduced blood flow to the gallbladder.
- Tumors that obstruct the flow of bile from the gallbladder.
- Viral infections that cause cholecystitis.
Malnutrition.
How is cholecystitis diagnosed?:
- The doctor takes the patient’s medical history andperforms a physical examination. They may alsorequest additional procedures as needed, such as:
- Blood tests to check white blood cell countand liver function, as an elevated white bloodcell count may indicate an infection or inflammation.
- An abdominal ultrasound to examine thegallbladder and bile ducts for the presence of stones or to assessgallbladder wall thickness or swelling.
CT, MRI, and nuclear scans for more detailed observations if there is any doubt about the diagnosis.
- What are the treatments for cholecystitis?
- Taking antibiotics to fight infection.
- Administering fluids and pain relief medication by intravenous means.
Fasting toreduce pressureon thegallbladder.
Symptoms may improve with these measures, but if cholecystitis is caused by gallstones, which is the most common reason, surgery is usually required to remove the gallbladder.
What are the preventive measures for cholecystitis?
Cholecystitis cannot be prevented unless the gallbladder is removed in the presence of stones. However, one can reduce the risk of gallstones by following a balanced, healthy diet, reducing high-cholesterol foods, and exercising regularly.
What are the complications of cholecystitis?
- In some cases, cholecystitis can lead to other health issues, including:
- Infection and pus accumulation in the gallbladder.
- Tissue death in the gallbladder.
- Infection and inflammation of the pancreas.
Infection and inflammation of the peritoneum (the lining of the abdomen).
When should you see a doctor?
You should see a doctor if you experience severe abdominal pain or if symptoms of cholecystitis return after treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to live a normal life without a gallbladder?
Yes, the liver can secrete bile directly into the intestine through the common bile duct without needing to store it in the gallbladder.
Can cholecystitis be treated during pregnancy?
