Cholecystitis
Cholecystitis is a term used to describe an inflammation of the gallbladder (a small pear-shaped organ on the right side of the abdomen, beneath the liver). The bile storage drives the gallbladder contraction in response to a fat-rich meal and the released bile acts as digestive juice for the fat by flowing into the small intestine. Cholecystitis sufferers often experience great discomfort and it may be accompanied by more serious complications if not treated properly.
Symptoms of Cholecystitis
Each person’s symptoms may differ. Symptoms could include:
- Abdominal tenderness or swelling
- Fever and chills
- Clay-colored stools
- Fever
- Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Pain in the right shoulder or back
- Loss of appetite and unintentional weight loss.
Cholecystitis often lasts 2 to 3 days. If left untreated, cholecystitis can lead to severe complications, such as a gallbladder rupture, which can be life-threatening.
Types of Cholecystitis
There are two types of cholecystitis. These are:
- Acute Cholecystitis
Acute cholecystitis is a sudden and severe inflammation of the gallbladder. It is often caused by gallstones. Symptoms can include fever, severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.
- Chronic Cholecystitis
This is a long-term inflammation of the gallbladder. It is often caused by repeated attacks of acute cholecystitis. Symptoms can include mild to moderate abdominal pain, particularly after eating, and bloating.
Complications of Cholecystitis
If not treated, serious complications can occur from cholecystitis and they include:
• Ruptured gallbladder: In case the inflammation and pressure in the gallbladder are severe enough, it may burst causing a rupture of the gallbladder. This may lead to peritonitis which is an infection that can be fatal if it occurs in the abdominal cavity.
• Gallstones: If trapped in bile ducts, these further complicate matters for patients suffering from cholecystitis since it causes the formation of gallstones.
• Infection: Gallbladder infection can develop as a result of cholecystitis if left untreated which may spread to other parts of the body.
• Tissue death: Several more problems will occur because of this tissue-death state caused by untreated cholecystitis.
Is Cholecystitis Serious?
Cholecystitis can be a life-threatening condition when left unattended. Severe complications such as gall bladder rupture, infection, or tissue death can arise due to neglecting cholecystitis treatment.
Management of Cholecystitis
Most cases necessitate hospital admission where patients are given fluids, antibiotics, and pain relief medications for infections. Meanwhile, some people might need surgery to remove their gallbladders (cholecystectomy).
How Serious is Cholecystitis?
Cholecystitis can be a serious condition if left untreated. Severe complications, such as gallbladder rupture, infection, and tissue death, can occur if cholecystitis is left untreated.
Treatment of Cholecystitis
Treatment for cholecystitis typically involves hospitalization, where the patient may be given fluids, pain medication, and antibiotics to treat the infection. In some cases, surgery may be required to remove the gallbladder (cholecystectomy).
Preventing Cholecystitis
To prevent cholecystitis, one often needs to address some of the risk factors including:
• Maintain a healthy weight: Excess body fatness may increase the chances of causing gallstones.
• Eat a healthy diet: This involves consuming food items that are low in fats but high in fiber which can help to prevent gallstone formation.
• Stay hydrated: Drinking enough fluids can reduce the risk of gallstone formation.
• Get regular exercise: Maintaining an active lifestyle can reduce weight and lower the probability of developing this disease.
Cholecystitis is a disease that is associated with the inflammation of the gallbladder. In most cases caused by gallstones which obstruct the normal flow of the bile. It entails the patient experiencing a lot of pain and discomfort and even the palpable consequences if not dealt with promptly.