How to Diagnose Cholecystitis

Written by Zhang Jun Jun
Endocrinology
Updated on September 22, 2024
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The definitive diagnosis of cholecystitis mainly involves the following aspects: First, clinical manifestations are crucial. The most common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal distension, and loss of appetite. Regarding physical examination, there is typically pain in the lower right abdomen and mid-lower right abdomen, with tenderness upon palpation. Furthermore, the onset of cholecystitis is characterized by postprandial pain, particularly after consuming fatty foods or feeling overly full. If these symptoms are present, further examination such as gallbladder ultrasound can be conducted to check for thickening of the gallbladder wall. Additionally, blood tests for inflammatory markers like complete blood count and CRP (C-reactive protein) can be performed. The diagnosis of cholecystitis can be confirmed by combining these symptoms and test results.

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Written by Zhang Jun Jun
Endocrinology
1min 45sec home-news-image

Which department should I go to for cholecystitis?

Firstly, it is necessary to determine the cause of the cholecystitis. The most common type of cholecystitis is caused by gallstones. If the cholecystitis is an acute episode caused by gallstones, leading to pain, nausea, vomiting, or even high fever, surgical intervention is usually indicated. It is generally recommended to consult with departments such as general surgery or hepatobiliary surgery, as emergency surgery may be needed. The second scenario involves cases where cholecystitis is detected during routine physical examinations without symptoms. Ultrasound may show gallstones or gallbladder polyps. In symptom-free situations, it is possible to consult general departments like gastroenterology, and regular follow-ups and checks of inflammation indicators, as well as abdominal ultrasonography, can be performed to monitor the dynamic changes of the cholecystitis. The third scenario pertains to cholecystitis where new techniques such as MRCP are available. With this technology, gallstones can be removed under endoscopic guidance. Generally, these procedures are performed in the gastroenterology department. Thus, for acute cholecystitis with choledocholithiasis and concurrent biliary pancreatitis, it may be treated with endoscopic techniques under gastroenterology, avoiding the need for traditional or minimally invasive surgery. Therefore, patients with cholecystitis may visit either the hepatobiliary surgery or gastroenterology departments.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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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.

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Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
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How to relieve gallblitis pain?

Gallbladder inflammation generally presents as sudden severe pain in the upper right abdomen, typically occurring after consuming a large amount of fatty foods or most frequently at night. The pain may radiate to the right shoulder or back, indicating gallbladder inflammation. For treatment, antispasmodic pain relief medications can be used. If these are ineffective, opiates like pethidine may be employed to alleviate symptoms. Additionally, it is necessary to perform routine blood tests and imaging, such as an abdominal CT scan or ultrasound, to confirm the diagnosis. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, aggressive anti-inflammatory treatment should be pursued. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a physician.)

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Written by Zhu Dan Hua
Gastroenterology
1min 24sec home-news-image

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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Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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Does a woman's back hurt after gallblitis?

Women with cholecystitis generally do not experience back pain. Pain associated with cholecystitis may cause pain in the right shoulder. In addition to shoulder pain, patients with cholecystitis may also experience pain under the right ribs. Severe cases may also be accompanied by chills, fever, jaundice, dark urine, etc. It is necessary to promptly complete abdominal imaging studies, such as ultrasound, CT, MRI, etc., to clarify the diagnosis. Active anti-infection treatment is required, which may include third-generation cephalosporin antibiotics or fluoroquinolone antibiotics. If necessary, surgical treatment may also be required. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a physician)