Chronic cholecystitis (patient information): Difference between revisions
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==What are the causes of Cholecystitis?== | ==What are the causes of Cholecystitis?== | ||
===Acute Cholecystitis=== | |||
In 90% of cases, acute cholecystitis is caused by [[gallstones]] in the [[gallbladder]]. Severe illness, [[alcohol abuse]], and, rarely, [[tumors]] of the [[gallbladder]] may also cause cholecystitis. | |||
Acute cholecystitis causes [[bile]] to become trapped in the [[gallbladder]]. The buildup of [[bile]] causes [[irritation]] and pressure in the [[gallbladder]]. This can lead to [[bacterial infection]] and perforation of the organ. | |||
==Who is at risk for Cholecystitis?== | ==Who is at risk for Cholecystitis?== | ||
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What is Cholecystitis?
Cholecystitis is inflammation of the gallbladder. There are two distinct types of cholecystitis, acute and chronic. Acute cholecystitis is a sudden inflammation of the gallbladder that causes severe abdominal pain. Chronic cholecystitis is long-standing swelling and irritation of the gallbladder.
What are the symptoms of Cholecystitis?
Acute Cholecystitis
The main symptom is abdominal pain that is located on the upper right side or upper middle of the abdomen. The pain may:
- Be sharp, cramping, or dull
- Come and go
- Spread to the back or below the right shoulder blade
- Be worse after eating fatty or greasy foods
- Occur within minutes of a meal
Other symptoms that may occur include:
- Abdominal fullness
- Clay-colored stools
- Excess gas
- Fever
- Heartburn
- Indigestion
- Nausea and vomiting
- Yellowing of skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice)
Chronic Cholecystitis
Attacks of upper abdominal pain, often with nausea or vomiting.
What are the causes of Cholecystitis?
Acute Cholecystitis
In 90% of cases, acute cholecystitis is caused by gallstones in the gallbladder. Severe illness, alcohol abuse, and, rarely, tumors of the gallbladder may also cause cholecystitis.
Acute cholecystitis causes bile to become trapped in the gallbladder. The buildup of bile causes irritation and pressure in the gallbladder. This can lead to bacterial infection and perforation of the organ.
Who is at risk for Cholecystitis?
How to know you have Cholecystitis?
When to seek urgent medical care
Treatment options
Diseases with similar symptoms
Where to find medical care for Cholecystitis
Directions to Hospitals Treating Cholecystitis