What is cholecystitis? How does it cause gallbladder pain? What are the symptoms and risk factors of cholecystitis? How is it diagnosed and treated? Get the answers to these questions and more in this detailed article.

Understanding Cholecystitis: The Inflammation of the Gallbladder

Cholecystitis is the medical term for inflammation of the gallbladder, often caused by gallstones blocking the cystic duct. This condition typically results in abdominal pain, fever, and nausea. Ultrasonography is the primary diagnostic tool used to detect signs of gallbladder inflammation.

Acute vs. Chronic Cholecystitis: Distinguishing the Differences

Cholecystitis can be classified as either acute or chronic. Acute cholecystitis begins suddenly, causing severe and persistent pain in the upper abdomen. At least 95% of cases of acute cholecystitis are associated with gallstones. Chronic cholecystitis, on the other hand, is a long-lasting inflammation of the gallbladder, usually resulting from previous episodes of acute cholecystitis and the presence of gallstones.

Acalculous Cholecystitis: A Rare and Serious Form

In rare cases, a form of acute cholecystitis can occur without the presence of gallstones, known as acalculous cholecystitis. This condition is more serious than other types of cholecystitis and is often associated with major surgery, critical illnesses, intravenous feedings, fasting, or certain immune system disorders.

Symptoms and Risk Factors of Cholecystitis

The primary symptoms of cholecystitis include severe, steady pain in the upper abdomen, fever, and nausea. Risk factors for developing cholecystitis include the presence of gallstones, as well as certain medical conditions and procedures that can disrupt the normal function of the gallbladder.

Diagnosing Cholecystitis: The Role of Imaging and Laboratory Tests

Ultrasonography is the primary diagnostic tool used to detect signs of gallbladder inflammation, such as the presence of gallstones, thickening of the gallbladder wall, and the accumulation of fluid. Additional laboratory tests, such as blood work, may also be conducted to support the diagnosis.

Treatment Options for Cholecystitis

The most common treatment for cholecystitis is the surgical removal of the gallbladder, often performed using a minimally invasive laparoscopic procedure. In some cases, conservative management with intravenous fluids, antibiotics, and pain medications may be the initial approach, particularly for patients who are not good candidates for surgery.

Preventing Recurrent Cholecystitis

To prevent the recurrence of cholecystitis, the gallbladder is typically removed, as it is the source of the problem. This procedure, known as a cholecystectomy, is one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures in the United States.

What is the leading cause of cholecystitis? Gallstones. The majority of cases of cholecystitis, both acute and chronic, are caused by gallstones blocking the cystic duct and leading to inflammation of the gallbladder.

How does acalculous cholecystitis differ from other types of cholecystitis? Acalculous cholecystitis is a rare and more serious form of the condition, occurring without the presence of gallstones. It is often associated with critical illnesses, major surgery, or certain immune system disorders.

What are the primary symptoms of cholecystitis? The main symptoms of cholecystitis include severe, steady pain in the upper abdomen, fever, and nausea. These symptoms are typically caused by the inflammation and swelling of the gallbladder.

How is cholecystitis typically diagnosed? Ultrasonography is the primary diagnostic tool used to detect signs of gallbladder inflammation, such as the presence of gallstones, thickening of the gallbladder wall, and the accumulation of fluid.

What is the most common treatment for cholecystitis? The most common treatment for cholecystitis is the surgical removal of the gallbladder, often performed using a minimally invasive laparoscopic procedure. This procedure is known as a cholecystectomy.

Why is the gallbladder typically removed to prevent recurrent cholecystitis? The gallbladder is the source of the problem in most cases of cholecystitis, so removing it is the most effective way to prevent the condition from recurring.

What are the risk factors for developing cholecystitis? The primary risk factor for cholecystitis is the presence of gallstones, as they can block the cystic duct and lead to inflammation of the gallbladder. Other risk factors include certain medical conditions, major surgery, and prolonged intravenous feeding or fasting.