Chronic cholecystitis (patient information): Difference between revisions
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==How to know you have Cholecystitis?== | ==How to know you have Cholecystitis?== | ||
===Acute Cholecystitis=== | |||
A physical exam will show that your [[abdomen]] is tender to the touch. | |||
Your doctor may order the following blood tests: | |||
* [[Amylase]] and [[lipase]] | |||
* [[Bilirubin]] | |||
* [[Complete blood count]] (CBC): may show a higher than normal [[white blood cell]] count | |||
* Liver function tests | |||
Imaging tests that can show [[gallstones]] or [[inflammation]] include: | |||
* Abdominal [[ultrasound]] | |||
* Abdominal [[CT scan]] | |||
* Abdominal [[x-ray]] | |||
* [[Oral cholecystogram]] | |||
* [[Gallbladder radionuclide scan]] | |||
===Chronic Cholecystitis=== | |||
Tests that reveal [[gallstones]] or [[inflammation]] in the [[gallbladder]]: | |||
* Abdominal [[CT scan]] | |||
* Abdominal [[ultrasound]] | |||
* [[Gallbladder scan]] ([[HIDA scan]]) | |||
* [[Oral cholecystogram]] | |||
==When to seek urgent medical care== | ==When to seek urgent medical care== | ||
Revision as of 13:49, 29 July 2009
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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.
Chronic Cholecystitis
Chronic cholecystitis is usually caused by repeated attacks of acute cholecystitis. This leads to thickening of the gallbladder walls. The gallbladder begins to shrink and eventually loses the ability to perform its function, which is concentrating, storing, and releasing bile.
Who is at risk for Cholecystitis?
Risk Factors for Cholecystitis include:
- Gender: The disease occurs more often in women than in men
- Age: The incidence increases after age 40
- The presence or development of gallstones
- Race: Native Americans have a higher rate of gallstones
How to know you have Cholecystitis?
Acute Cholecystitis
A physical exam will show that your abdomen is tender to the touch.
Your doctor may order the following blood tests:
- Amylase and lipase
- Bilirubin
- Complete blood count (CBC): may show a higher than normal white blood cell count
- Liver function tests
Imaging tests that can show gallstones or inflammation include:
- Abdominal ultrasound
- Abdominal CT scan
- Abdominal x-ray
- Oral cholecystogram
- Gallbladder radionuclide scan
Chronic Cholecystitis
Tests that reveal gallstones or inflammation in the gallbladder:
- Abdominal CT scan
- Abdominal ultrasound
- Gallbladder scan (HIDA scan)
- Oral cholecystogram
When to seek urgent medical care
Treatment options
Diseases with similar symptoms
Where to find medical care for Cholecystitis
Directions to Hospitals Treating Cholecystitis