Is cholecystitis hereditary?

Written by Luo Han Ying
Endocrinology
Updated on September 24, 2024
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Cholecystitis is an inflammation of the gallbladder, which is related to dietary habits in our daily lives. For example, people who particularly enjoy oily foods, or generally eat in large quantities, or have irregular eating habits, such as those who often skip breakfast and eat meals inconsistently, are prone to developing cholecystitis. If we consider cholecystitis on its own, it actually does not have a genetic predisposition. However, cholecystitis is often seen in individuals who are obese and have irregular lifestyles, and such traits can typically be related to family habits. For instance, if parents and grandparents are overweight, their children are also likely to be overweight. Similarly, if one's lifestyle is irregular, characterized by inconsistent meals, it might be a reflection of the family's general irregular lifestyle. Therefore, children of parents who suffer from cholecystitis are also more likely to suffer from the condition, not due to genetics, but due to their body type, dietary habits, and family lifestyle practices.

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Does cholecystitis require surgery?

Whether cholecystitis requires surgery depends on the acute or chronic status of the inflammation and its severity. If it is acute suppurative cholecystitis, emergency surgery is needed to avoid gallbladder perforation and resultant peritonitis, which could lead to serious septic shock, thus emergency surgical treatment is necessary. If it is mild chronic cholecystitis, elective surgery can be considered, and there is no need for emergency treatment. If it is asymptomatic chronic cholecystitis, it can also be managed with dietary adjustments and symptomatic medical treatment, and surgery may not be strictly necessary.

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Does acute cholecystitis require hospitalization?

Patients with acute cholecystitis often have a history of gallstones or gallbladder polyps. An acute attack of cholecystitis can be triggered by inattention to diet or other reasons, such as unclean food. If the patient's abdominal pain is not severe, they can be advised to rest in bed and take oral anti-inflammatory and bile-promoting medications. If the patient experiences significant upper abdominal pain, accompanied by fever and other discomforts, and the abdominal pain persists and radiates to the back, it is recommended that the patient be hospitalized. During the hospital stay, it is essential to ensure the patient eats and receives clinical infusions, as well as complete relevant examinations.

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What are the serious consequences of cholecystitis?

The severe consequences of cholecystitis include gangrene and perforation of the gallbladder, leading to obvious signs of peritonitis throughout the abdomen, with noticeable tenderness and rebound pain. For patients with recurrent cholecystitis, it is advisable to use antibiotics for anti-infection treatment as soon as possible, as the condition can only be alleviated after the inflammation is under control. During recurrent episodes, surgical treatment should also be considered promptly. Removal of the gallbladder through surgery is the only way to achieve a radical cure. In most cases, laparoscopic cholecystectomy is chosen because it has the advantages of smaller incisions, less damage, and faster recovery, and is therefore often the preferred option in clinical settings. Patients who have undergone surgery should also avoid spicy and irritating foods to reduce inflammation and better facilitate recovery.

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Is hot compress effective for cholecystitis?

The main symptoms of cholecystitis include pain in the upper right abdomen and fever. If this occurs, applying heat to the painful area may temporarily relieve the pain, but it is merely a symptomatic treatment and not a cure, as cholecystitis is caused by an infection and requires antibiotic treatment. Therefore, the fundamental treatment is to reduce inflammation. Merely using heat for relief does not address the root of the disease. Thus, it is essential to receive treatment in a hospital, where a doctor can prescribe medication, which is the most effective and fundamental method.

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What to do if you have cholecystitis?

Cholecystitis usually occurs in people with gallstones or gallbladder polyps. Patients with cholecystitis generally experience discomfort and bloating pain in the upper right abdomen. Cholecystitis is an inflammation of the inner wall of the gallbladder, which can cause abdominal pain in mild cases and lead to bile stasis and suppurative cholecystitis in severe cases. The first step in treating cholecystitis is to actively use antibiotics. Those with cholecystitis should actively use antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory drugs. It is also important to maintain a light diet and avoid consuming too many greasy foods. To prevent recurrence, it is generally recommended that patients take oral anti-inflammatory and bile-promoting tablets after cholecystitis symptoms are controlled. These medications can play a preventive role in patients with acute and chronic cholecystitis.