What is cholecystitis?
Cholecystitis refers to the inflammation of the gallbladder, a small organ situated beneath the liver. The gallbladder plays a crucial role in aiding digestion by storing bile produced by the liver. When the bile ducts leading to the gallbladder become blocked, either due to gallstones or other reasons, inflammation occurs, leading to cholecystitis. Cholecystitis can lead to severe, sometimes life-threatening conditions like gallbladder rupture if left untreated.
What are the symptoms of cholecystitis?
Identifying the symptoms of cholecystitis is pivotal for seeking timely medical attention. Common symptoms of cholecystitis include:
- Severe abdominal pain, particularly in the upper right or center abdomen
- Pain that spreads to your right shoulder and/or back
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes).
Often, cholecystitis symptoms will occur after a meal, especially large and/or high fat content meals.
These symptoms may manifest suddenly (acute cholecystitis) or persist over time (chronic cholecystitis).
What causes cholecystitis?
The primary cause of gallbladder inflammation is the presence of gallstones, small, hardened deposits formed from bile components. When these stones block the bile ducts, it leads to inflammation.
Acalculous cholecystitis is a type of cholecystitis characterized by inflammation of the gallbladder in the absence of gallstones. While most cases of cholecystitis are associated with gallstones, acalculous cholecystitis may be caused by:
- Tumor preventing bile from draining from the gallbladder
- Bile duct blockage
- Certain viral infections such as AIDS
- Decreased blood flow to gallbladder caused by severe illness and damaged blood vessels.
How do you treat cholecystitis?
At The Iowa Clinic, our surgeons and medical professionals offer comprehensive treatment options tailored to your specific needs. Treatment for cholecystitis typically involves managing symptoms and addressing the underlying cause.
In cases of acute cholecystitis, hospitalization may be necessary for intravenous fluids, pain management, and antibiotics to reduce inflammation and fight infection. Surgical intervention, such as laparoscopic cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal), is often recommended for recurrent or severe cases of cholecystitis.
While cholecystitis can be a painful and distressing condition, prompt medical intervention can significantly alleviate symptoms and prevent complications.
Following treatment, adopting a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet low in fat and cholesterol, regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight, can help reduce the risk of recurrent cholecystitis and promote overall pancreatic health.