Acute cholecystitis – Symptoms and causes
Publisher/Author
: Pacific Cross
Nội dung bài viết / Table of Contents
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Acute cholecystitis is an inflammation of the gallbladder. The gallbladder is an organ that sits below your liver and helps your body digest fat.
Cholecystitis can become very severe and in most cases requires immediate medical attention. See your doctor as soon as possible if you think you have acute cholecystitis.
This condition can become chronic if it persists for a prolonged period of time, or if you’re having recurring symptoms from the inflammation.
Acute cholecystitis is an uncommon complication of gallstones.
About 1-4% of people with gallstones experience infrequent episodes of pain, known as biliary colic. Around one in five of these people develop acute cholecystitis if their gallbladder is not surgically removed.
Please discuss with your doctor for further information.
What are the symptoms of Acute cholecystitis?
The most common sign that you have acute cholecystitis is abdominal pain that lasts for several hours. This pain is usually in the middle or right side of your upper abdomen. It may also spread to your right shoulder or back.
Pain from acute cholecystitis can feel like sharp pain or dull cramps. It’s often described as excruciating.
Other symptoms include:
There may be some symptoms not listed above. If you have any concerns about a symptom, please consult your doctor.
If you have any signs or symptoms listed above or have any questions, please consult with your doctor. Everyone’s body acts differently. It is always best to discuss with your doctor what is best for your situation.
What causes Acute cholecystitis?
Gallstones are by far the most common cause of acute cholecystitis. Bile can build up in the gallbladder if gallstones obstruct the bile ducts. This leads to inflammation. Acute cholecystitis can also be caused by a severe illness or a tumor. However, these causes are rare.
The condition is considered chronic when attacks of cholecystitis are repeated or prolonged.
What increases my risk for Acute cholecystitis?
Women get gallstones more often than men. They also have a higher risk of developing acute cholecystitis.
Risk increases with age in both men and women, although the reason for this is unclear. The risk is also higher for people of Scandinavian, Native American, or Hispanic descent.
Diagnosis & treatment
The information provided is not a substitute for any medical advice. ALWAYS consult with your doctor for more information.
How is Acute cholecystitis diagnosed?
The symptoms of acute cholecystitis can resemble many other illnesses. Your doctor will want to know about your medical history as well as your symptoms. They’ll probably check your abdomen for swelling or tender areas. They may order additional tests, such as the following:
Abdominal ultrasounds use sound waves to create an image of your organs. This is the most commonly ordered imaging test that’s used to diagnose cholecystitis.
Hepatobiliary scintigraphy is a procedure that creates an image of the upper portion of your small intestine, liver, gallbladder, and bile ducts.
Cholangiography uses dye injected into your bile ducts to show the gallbladder and bile ducts on an X-ray.
CT scans are computerized images used to create images of your internal organs.
Your doctor may need to run more tests if you’ve been diagnosed with acute cholecystitis. These tests may include a liver function test and a complete blood count (CBC) test.
How is Acute cholecystitis treated?
Severe abdominal pain may need immediate treatment. You should always see your doctor if you begin to have severe, unexplained abdominal pain.
Your doctor may recommend hospitalization so that you can be monitored. You may be asked to fast, because your gallbladder is part of your digestive system, and fasting allows the gallbladder to rest. You may get intravenous (IV) fluids to prevent dehydration. Your doctor will most likely prescribe pain medications and antibiotics to minimize your abdominal pain and fight infection.
Your doctor may recommend surgery to remove your gallbladder if the cholecystitis keeps recurring. This is called a cholecystectomy, which can be done laparoscopically or through open surgery.
You can still digest food normally without a gallbladder. Bile that normally flowed to your gallbladder will be redirected into your small intestine.
What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can help me manage Acute cholecystitis?
You may be able to reduce your risk of developing acute or chronic cholecystitis by losing weight and eating a healthier diet. It’s believed that cholesterol plays a part in the formation of gallstones. You should avoid foods that are high in fat and cholesterol.
Being overweight increases the amount of cholesterol in your bile. This raises your chances of developing gallstones. If you choose to lose weight to reduce the risk of gallstones, it’s best to do so gradually. Rapid weight loss may upset the delicate bile chemistry in your body. This can increase your chances of developing gallstones.
Talk to your doctor if you’re concerned about your weight. They’ll help you come up with an effective weight loss plan.
If you have any questions, please consult with your doctor to better understand the best solution for you. Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
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