Does acute cholecystitis fear cold?

Written by Liu Wu Cai
Hepatobiliary Surgery
Updated on November 05, 2024
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Patients with acute cholecystitis may exhibit chills. Due to the acute inflammation of the gallbladder in patients with acute cholecystitis, symptoms such as chills, high fever, fatigue, and loss of appetite which are characteristic of systemic infections may occur. Additionally, patients may experience significant pain in the upper right abdomen, which tends to worsen after eating. In cases of acute cholecystitis, it is crucial to use antibiotics for anti-infection treatment as soon as possible. Only when the inflammation is controlled can the condition be alleviated. In cases where gallstones cause cholecystitis, surgical treatment should be employed promptly. A complete cure can only be achieved by surgically removing the gallbladder. Therefore, it is essential to take acute cholecystitis seriously and seek medical attention promptly to actively manage the condition and significantly improve the patient's prognosis.

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Written by Liu Wu Cai
Hepatobiliary Surgery
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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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Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
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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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Written by Huang Ya Juan
Gastroenterology
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Symptoms and Treatment of Cholecystitis

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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Written by Zhang Tao
Hepatobiliary Surgery
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The difference between acute cholecystitis and chronic cholecystitis

Chronic cholecystitis clinically manifests as recurrent dull pain in the upper abdomen and biliary colic, which the patient can quickly relieve on their own; acute cholecystitis involves more severe pain that cannot be relieved without intervention, and is usually accompanied by fever, nausea, and vomiting. In chronic cholecystitis, pressing on the right upper abdomen elicits no special reaction; in acute cholecystitis, pressing on the right upper abdomen causes obvious pain, known as a positive Murphy's sign. Acute cholecystitis is accompanied by a significant increase in white blood cells, and an ultrasound can reveal a marked enlargement and thickening of the gallbladder wall; chronic cholecystitis does not show these specific characteristics.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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What should I do if cholecystitis does not improve?

If cholecystitis does not improve over time, it is crucial to actively identify the reasons behind this persistent issue. For instance, it could be due to improper diet, such as frequently consuming greasy foods or overeating. It might also be due to an acute exacerbation of chronic cholecystitis, or possibly because of the presence of polyps or stones in the gallbladder, which can lead to persistent cholecystitis. In such cases, it is important to pay closer attention to the diet, opting for lighter meals, and to take oral anti-inflammatory and bile-promoting medications for treatment. If necessary, gallbladder removal surgery may be required.