What is cholecystitis?

The inflammation of the gallbladder is known as cholecystitis. The gallbladder is a pear-shaped organ located on the right side of the abdomen, beneath the liver. It holds a digestive fluid known as bile, that is released into the small intestine. A gastroenterologist specializes in the treatment of cholecystitis and other disorders of the digestive system. In this article, we will discuss cholecystitis or gallbladder inflammation in detail. What are the causes of cholecystitis? Cholecystitis can be caused due to the following reasons: Gallstones: The hard particles that develop in the gallbladder are known as gallstones. They can cause the blockage of the tube through which bile flows while leaving the gallbladder, known as the cystic duct. The bile buildup in the gallbladder leads to inflammation. Tumor: A tumor could prevent bile from draining out of the gallbladder properly. This leads to bile buildup that causes cholecystitis. Illness: Severe types of illness could lead to damaged blood vessels and reduced blood flow to the gallbladder, causing inflammation. Infection: AIDS and certain types of viral infections can cause gallbladder inflammation. Blockage of the bile duct: Thickened bile and or gallstones could lead to the blockage of the bile duct and cause gallbladder inflammation. Scarring or kinking of the bike ducts can also lead to blockage. What are the risk factors for cholecystitis? Certain factors may increase the possibility of developing cholecystitis. These factors include: Gallstones development History of physical trauma History of critical illness Diabetes Shock Prolonged fasting Immune deficiency Vasculitis Rapid loss of weight Old age Obesity Pregnancy More common in females Hispanic or Pima Indian race What are the symptoms of cholecystitis? The symptoms of cholecystitis include: Severe pain in the upper right or center of the abdomen Pain that can spread to the right shoulder or back Nausea Vomiting Fever Tenderness over the abdomen when touched Abdominal bloating Loss of appetite How to diagnose cholecystitis? The following tests may be recommended by the doctor to diagnose cholecystitis: Blood tests: These tests help the doctor in determining if the patient has an infection and whether his or her liver is working well. X-ray: An x-ray of the belly will allow the doctor to view the internal organs, bones, and tissues. Ultrasound: This test helps the doctor in viewing the gallbladder and liver, as well as check the flow of blood. CT scan: This test enables the doctor to obtain a more detailed view of the organs, bones, and muscles. HIDA scan: This test helps to check how the gallbladder squeezes and if bile is blocked. A scanner traces the flow of a chemical through the body in this test. PTC: A dye is injected into the liver to view how bile moves through the body. ERCP: A long, flexible tube having a light and camera at one end is threaded down the throat through the stomach and into the small intestine. This test uses a dye to check how bile is flowing through the body. How is cholecystitis treated? Cholecystitis treatment requires a hospital stay to control gallbladder inflammation. The following treatments are provided to control the inflammation: Fasting: It enables taking the stress off the gallbladder. Intravenous fluids: Fluids are injected through a vein in the arm to prevent dehydration. Antibiotics: They help in treating gallbladder infections. Pain-relieving medications: These medicines help in controlling pain until gallbladder inflammation subsides. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP): This procedure involves the use of a dye to highlight the bile ducts and then the use of instruments to remove the gallstones that block the bile duct or cystic duct. Drainage of the gallbladder: Cholecystostomy or gallbladder drainage may help in removing the infection. This may be done by passing a tube (endoscope) through the mouth or the abdominal skin (percutaneous). Gallbladder removal surgery or cholecystectomy: The gallbladder may be removed by either making a large incision in the abdominal area (open technique) or through many tiny incisions made in the abdomen (laparoscopic technique). Once the gallbladder is removed, the bole flows directly from the liver into the small intestine, instead of being stored in the gallbladder. What are the complications of cholecystitis? Cholecystitis may lead to the following complications: Gallbladder infection Death of the gallbladder tissue Perforation of the gallbladder Fistula formation (linking of the gallbladder and duodenum) Cholestasis (blockage of the bile duct) Pancreatitis (obstruction of the pancreatic duct) How to prevent cholecystitis? The following tips may reduce your risk of developing cholecystitis: Maintain a healthy weight Lose weight gradually Get regular exercise Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet