Symptoms and Treatment of Cholecystitis

Written by Huang Ya Juan
Gastroenterology
Updated on September 25, 2024
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Cholecystitis is divided into acute cholecystitis and chronic cholecystitis. Acute cholecystitis typically presents very typical and obvious clinical symptoms, primarily manifesting as acute abdominal pain. Acute cholecystitis often occurs after eating greasy food, mainly presenting as severe colicky pain in the upper right abdomen, which is episodic and worsens. The pain may radiate to the right shoulder or back, followed by nausea, vomiting, and in severe cases, fever. Some severe cases may also present with jaundice and symptoms of systemic infection and toxicity. Acute simple cholecystitis is often treated non-surgically, and most cases can be cured. If the patient has a history of multiple attacks or the presence of stones, elective cholecystectomy is usually performed later. For suppurative or gangrenous cholecystitis, surgery should be performed promptly after appropriate preparation to remove the diseased gallbladder, typically within three days of onset. If the patient's condition is critical at the time of surgery, or if there is severe local infection and the anatomy is unclear, the doctor will not forcibly remove the gallbladder to avoid major bleeding and damage. Instead, a cholecystostomy may be performed first, followed by cholecystectomy after three months. Chronic cholecystitis, besides occasional upper abdominal discomfort and indigestion, usually shows no prominent symptoms, and most patients only learn about their condition through ultrasound examination. However, for recurrent acute attacks or symptomatic chronic cholecystitis, especially those with stones larger than 1 cm or multiple stones, cholecystectomy should be performed. Elderly or frail individuals with other serious illnesses, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, kidney disease, or liver disease, may receive medical treatment, including general digestive aids and antispasmodic medications. Bile preparations have choleretic effects, can increase the secretion of bile, promote the digestion and absorption of fats, and facilitate the excretion from the gallbladder, which can alleviate symptoms and stabilize the condition. Considering that acute attacks of chronic cholecystitis in elderly people progress rapidly and that emergency surgery has a much higher mortality rate than elective surgery, it is advisable to perform surgery during a remission period. Whether treated with medication or surgery, it is important to follow medical advice.

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What are the symptoms of cholelithiasis cholecystitis?

Cholecystitis due to gallstones is relatively common in clinical practice, with abdominal pain being a frequent reason for seeking medical attention. The pain usually manifests in the upper abdomen or right side, occurring in intermittent or continuous episodes. Typically, the nature of the pain is described as distension, colic, or dull pain. Patients may also experience radiating pain in the lower back, typically extending to the right side of the abdomen. Additionally, a small number of patients may experience nausea, vomiting, and even fever alongside abdominal pain. Fevers are usually mild to moderate, with body temperatures around 38°C (100.4°F). Nausea and vomiting occur as a digestive response following gallbladder contraction and subsequent inflammatory stimulation, with vomitus generally consisting of gastric contents and bile, but not blood. Therefore, if gallstone-induced cholecystitis is suspected, it is recommended for patients to undergo active endoscopic removal, typically via laparoscopic surgery. Of course, older patients might be treated conservatively with medications.

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How to treat gallbladder inflammation pain in women?

Women with cholecystitis causing pain, when the condition is more severe, can appropriately consume some antispasmodic and analgesic medications, and simultaneously use antibiotics for treatment, to alleviate these symptoms of pain. Normally, a light diet should be maintained, avoiding overly greasy foods. Smoking and alcohol should be quit, spicy peppers should not be consumed, and it is best to avoid fried foods or barbecued items. Regular attention to developing good dietary and lifestyle habits is necessary to manage the condition and reduce the likelihood of recurrent cholecystitis.

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Location of pain in female cholecystitis

The main symptoms of cholecystitis include upper abdominal pain. Mild cases generally are limited to the upper abdomen, while severe cases may affect the entire body, and 70% of patients with cholecystitis do not show any symptoms. The early symptoms of cholecystitis can suddenly manifest as severe colicky pain in the upper right abdomen, which can also radiate to the right shoulder and back. These symptoms are generally triggered by consuming a large amount of fatty foods and are more likely to occur at night. If the condition progresses, the pain becomes persistent and progressively worsens, and may also be accompanied by mild to moderate fever. Some patients may experience chills and high fever, indicating that the condition is very severe.

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Gallbladder inflammation has the following symptoms

Cholecystitis is divided into acute cholecystitis and chronic cholecystitis. The symptoms of acute cholecystitis manifest as sudden severe pain in the upper right abdomen, which can also radiate to the right shoulder and back, and is the most typical symptom of acute cholecystitis. These symptoms generally occur after consuming a large amount of fat, at night, or after a full meal. It may also be accompanied by moderate fever, severe chills, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and other gastrointestinal symptoms. Chronic cholecystitis generally has atypical symptoms; it often causes pain in the upper right abdomen after a full meal or consuming greasy foods. The intensity of pain varies among individuals, and it can sometimes radiate to the right shoulder and back. Fever and chills are rarely present in chronic cholecystitis.

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What are the symptoms when there are problems with the gallbladder?

Gallbladder issues, specifically symptoms of cholecystitis, mainly include chills, fever, persistent dull pain in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen, episodic colic pain that radiates to the right shoulder and back, and may also be accompanied by jaundice, dark urine, nausea, vomiting, and constipation. Patients with cholecystitis often experience sudden pain at night, typically due to overeating or consuming greasy foods. Once cholecystitis occurs, it is advised to seek medical attention at a regular hospital as soon as possible, complete the relevant diagnostic tests, such as imaging studies of the abdomen, consider surgical treatment, and engage in active anti-infection treatment.