Cholecystitis (Gallbladder Inflammation)

Cholecystitis is a medical condition characterized by inflammation of the gallbladder, a small organ located under the liver that stores bile to aid in digestion. The condition can be acute or chronic and is often caused by gallstones blocking the cystic duct, which connects the gallbladder to the common bile duct.

Symptoms

• Abdominal pain: Severe, sharp, or cramping pain in the upper right abdomen, which may radiate to the back or right shoulder
• Nausea and vomiting: Feeling queasy or vomiting after eating, especially fatty foods
• Fever: Elevated body temperature, usually above 100.4°F (38°C)
• Chills: Feeling cold or having shaking chills
• Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and eyes due to bile buildup in the blood
• Dark urine and pale stools: Changes in urine and stool color due to bile duct obstruction
• Tenderness: Tenderness or guarding (muscle tension) in the upper right abdomen

Causes and Risk Factors

Cholecystitis is often caused by:

• Gallstones: Small, hard deposits that can block the cystic duct and cause inflammation
• Bile duct obstruction: Blockage of the common bile duct, which can be caused by gallstones, tumors, or other conditions
• Infection: Bacterial infection, such as Salmonella or E. coli, which can spread to the gallbladder through the bloodstream or from nearby tissues
• Trauma: Injury to the abdomen, which can cause inflammation and damage to the gallbladder
• Other medical conditions: Certain conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity, may increase the risk of developing cholecystitis

Treatments

Treatment for cholecystitis usually involves a combination of the following:

• Antibiotics: To treat bacterial infections and prevent further complications
• Pain management: Medications to control pain, such as acetaminophen or morphine
• Fluid replacement: Intravenous fluids to replace lost fluids and electrolytes
• Bowel rest: Avoiding solid foods for a period to allow the gallbladder to recover
• Surgery: Cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal) may be necessary in severe cases or if complications arise, such as gangrene or perforation of the gallbladder
• Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP): A procedure to remove gallstones from the bile ducts and relieve obstruction
• Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC): A procedure to drain the bile ducts and relieve obstruction

Complications

If left untreated or if treatment is delayed, cholecystitis can lead to serious complications, including:

• Gangrene: Tissue death due to lack of blood supply to the gallbladder
• Perforation: Rupture of the gallbladder, which can lead to peritonitis (inflammation of the lining surrounding the abdominal organs)
• Sepsis: Life-threatening infection that spreads through the bloodstream
• Liver damage: Inflammation or scarring of the liver due to bile duct obstruction or infection

Prevention

To reduce the risk of developing cholecystitis:

• Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity increases the risk of gallstones and cholecystitis
• Eat a balanced diet: A diet low in fat and high in fiber can help reduce the risk of gallstones
• Exercise regularly: Regular physical activity can help improve digestion and reduce the risk of gallstones
• Avoid crash diets: Rapid weight loss can increase the risk of gallstones
• Manage underlying medical conditions: Conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol should be managed to reduce the risk of complications