Inflammation of the gall bladder. In acute form, usually caused by a gallstone that cannot pass through the cystic duct, and characterized by upper right quadrant pain, vomiting, and flatulence. In the chronic form, pain is often felt after a fatty meal. Surgery is the usual treatment.
Inflammation of the gallbladder. Cholecystitis is usually the result of gallstones (solid masses, primarily of cholesterol, which form in the gallbladder). When a gallstone in the cystic duct blocks the flow of bile from the gallbladder to the intestine, acute cholecystitis occurs and requires immediate treatment. Very often, surgical removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy) is necessary.
Inflammation of the gall bladder. Acute cholecystitis is due to bacterial infection, causing fever and acute pain over the gall bladder. It is usually treated by rest and antibiotics. Chronic cholecystitis is often associated with gallstones and causes recurrent episodes of upper abdominal pain. Recurrent bacterial infection may be the cause, but the physical processes leading to gallstone formation may also be important. It may require treatment by cholecystectomy.
The gallbladder, when subjected to infection and inflammation, gives rise to a distressing condition known as cholecystitis. This affliction manifests as intense pain and rigidity in the upper right region of the abdomen, necessitating prompt medical evaluation and intervention.
Gallbladder inflammation can manifest as either acute or chronic, resulting in painful symptoms. This inflammatory condition affects the gallbladder and is typically characterized by discomfort and tenderness in the abdominal area. Acute inflammation refers to a sudden and intense onset of symptoms, while chronic inflammation indicates a persistent and recurring condition. Prompt medical attention and appropriate treatment are essential in managing the pain and addressing the underlying causes of gallbladder inflammation.
Acute cholecystitis commonly arises when a gallstone obstructs the outlet of the gallbladder, leading to its inflammation. The presence of the obstruction traps bile inside, causing it to become more concentrated as water is absorbed. This concentrated bile irritates the walls of the gallbladder and can potentially result in a bacterial infection of the bile. The primary symptom of acute cholecystitis is the occurrence of severe and persistent pain on the right side of the abdomen, beneath the ribs. This pain is often accompanied by fever and, occasionally, jaundice, which is characterized by yellowing of the skin and eyes. Prompt medical attention is crucial to manage the symptoms and address the underlying cause of acute cholecystitis.
Recurrent episodes of mild acute cholecystitis can progress to a chronic form of the condition, characterized by changes in the gallbladder. Over time, the gallbladder may shrink in size, its walls can thicken, and its ability to store bile becomes impaired. Symptoms associated with chronic cholecystitis typically include indigestion, discomfort in the upper abdomen, feelings of nausea, and frequent belching. These symptoms may be further exacerbated by the consumption of fatty foods. It is important to seek medical attention for proper diagnosis and management of chronic cholecystitis to alleviate symptoms and prevent potential complications.
The treatment approach for cholecystitis typically involves a combination of analgesic drugs to relieve pain, antibiotic drugs to address infection, and intravenous infusion of nutrients and fluids to ensure hydration and nourishment. However, in some cases, complications may arise. These can include peritonitis, which is the inflammation of the abdominal cavity lining when the gallbladder ruptures, and empyema, which refers to the accumulation of pus. Urgent surgical intervention becomes necessary to address these complications. Cholecystectomy, the surgical removal of the gallbladder, is the standard treatment for chronic cholecystitis. This procedure aims to alleviate symptoms and prevent the recurrence of inflammation and associated complications.