Inflammation of the Gall Bladder

Cholecystitis is an inflammation of the gall bladder which is most often associated with the presence of gallstones. Cholecystitis may occur in either sex, but mostly in women, especially obese women over 40. People who consume a high-fat diet and those who lose weight rapidly are also prone to developing cholecystitis.

Two Types of Cholecystitis:

1. Acute cholecystitis - this type is characterized by a sudden inflammation of the gallbladder that causes abdominal pain. Usually an attack of acute cholecystitis is hastened when a gallstone lodges in the small duct (cystic duct) leading from the gall bladder to the common bile duct.

Symptoms:

• Severe pain in the upper right part of the abdomen, just below the breastbone. Often there is also pain in the back or left shoulder blade. Pain usually starts after eating.
• Some patients also suffer nausea and vomiting these too are provoked by eating fried and fatty foods.
• Jaundice or yellowing of the eyes or skin. Sometimes when a patient has gallstones, a stone may pass out of the gall bladder and lodge in the common bile duct, obstructing the outflow of bile which causes jaundice.
• Fever

Treatments: Patient will need to stay in the hospital, and are given antibiotics (intravenously) to treat infections and other medications are also given to control abdominal pain and vomiting.

2. Chronic cholecystitis - is characterized by an inflammation of the gallbladder that lasts a long time. It may be caused by repeat attacks of acute cholecystitis.

Symptoms: Symptoms of CC includes; nausea, abdominal pain, indigestion and diarrhea, but some people don't usually experience any symptoms. The symptoms usually come and go.

Treatments: CC is most often treated by the surgical removal of the gall bladder to prevent symptoms from coming back. In some chronic cases if the risk of surgery is high or if the symptoms are not severe the doctor may simply recommend a diet that is low in fat.

Prevention: Exercise and Avoidance of a diet that is high in fat.

How Cholecystitis is diagnosed? Cholecystitis is usually diagnosed by a history of the above symptoms, as well as examination findings. Laboratory and imaging tests (Ultrasound, Cholescintigraphy, CT Scan) are used to confirm the diagnosis and exclude other possible causes.