Scroller for Important Information

    Follow Us on Social Media

    Emergency

    Home What is Cholecystitis?

    What is Cholecystitis?

    Cardiology Image 1 Verified By Apollo Hospitals September 17, 2024

    BOOK DOCTOR APPOINTMENTCONSULT DOCTOR ONLINE

    Cholecystitis Definition

    In order to understand what cholecystitis is, we must first understand how the gallbladder functions. The gallbladder is a digestive organ located near the liver. Cholecystitis is inflammation of the gallbladder which is caused when the flow of bile (a fluid that passes from the gallbladder into the small intestine) is blocked, causing swelling and pain in the gall bladder. Other causes of cholecystitis include bile duct problems and tumors.
    If left untreated, cholecystitis can lead to serious, sometimes life-threatening complications, such as a gallbladder rupture. Treatment for cholecystitis often involves gallbladder removal

    Cholecystitis Symptoms

    There are a number of symptoms that are indicative of Cholecystitis. These may include:

    • Pain the upper right abdomen
    • Fever
    • Nausea
    • Pain while breathing
    • Tenderness in the right abdomen
    • Long-lasting pain after meals

    Cholecystitis Risk Factors

    A major cause for cholecystitis is the presence of gallbladder stones.
    Risk factors for gallstones:

    • History especially from the mother’s side of the family
    • Obesity
    • Diabetes
    • Hyperlipidemia
    • Crohn’s disease
    • Pregnancy
    • Old age
    • Rapid loss of weight

    Gall bladder tumours and bile duct strictures due to scarring are other causes of cholecystitis.

    Cholecystitis Diagnosis

    If you have any or all of the above symptoms and your doctor suspects you may have cholecystitis, he will first recommend a physical exam. Apart from this, he may also run the following tests:

    • Blood Tests
    • Ultrasound
    • Gallbladder scan
    • Nuclear Scanning Test

    Based on these tests, treatment for cholecystitis will be given.

    Cholecystitis Treatment

    Treatment for cholecystitis is given based on your symptoms and your overall health. In many cases, a person may have stones but they’re harmless and require no treatment at all. For slightly more serious cases, some antibiotics may be advised by the doctor.
    In acute cases of cholecystitis, the gallbladder may have to be removed through surgery. This procedure is known as laparoscopic cholecystectomy in which small incisions are made in the abdomen to remove the gallbladder.
    Read an overview of the Gastroenterology treatments at Apollo Hospitals Click here

    © Copyright 2024. Apollo Hospitals Group. All Rights Reserved.

    Telephone call icon +91 8069991061 Book Health Check-up Book Health Check-up Book Appointment Book Appointment

    Request A Call Back

    X