Symptoms and Treatment of Cholecystitis

Written by Huang Ya Juan
Gastroenterology
Updated on September 25, 2024
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Cholecystitis is divided into acute cholecystitis and chronic cholecystitis. Acute cholecystitis typically presents very typical and obvious clinical symptoms, primarily manifesting as acute abdominal pain. Acute cholecystitis often occurs after eating greasy food, mainly presenting as severe colicky pain in the upper right abdomen, which is episodic and worsens. The pain may radiate to the right shoulder or back, followed by nausea, vomiting, and in severe cases, fever. Some severe cases may also present with jaundice and symptoms of systemic infection and toxicity. Acute simple cholecystitis is often treated non-surgically, and most cases can be cured. If the patient has a history of multiple attacks or the presence of stones, elective cholecystectomy is usually performed later. For suppurative or gangrenous cholecystitis, surgery should be performed promptly after appropriate preparation to remove the diseased gallbladder, typically within three days of onset. If the patient's condition is critical at the time of surgery, or if there is severe local infection and the anatomy is unclear, the doctor will not forcibly remove the gallbladder to avoid major bleeding and damage. Instead, a cholecystostomy may be performed first, followed by cholecystectomy after three months. Chronic cholecystitis, besides occasional upper abdominal discomfort and indigestion, usually shows no prominent symptoms, and most patients only learn about their condition through ultrasound examination. However, for recurrent acute attacks or symptomatic chronic cholecystitis, especially those with stones larger than 1 cm or multiple stones, cholecystectomy should be performed. Elderly or frail individuals with other serious illnesses, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, kidney disease, or liver disease, may receive medical treatment, including general digestive aids and antispasmodic medications. Bile preparations have choleretic effects, can increase the secretion of bile, promote the digestion and absorption of fats, and facilitate the excretion from the gallbladder, which can alleviate symptoms and stabilize the condition. Considering that acute attacks of chronic cholecystitis in elderly people progress rapidly and that emergency surgery has a much higher mortality rate than elective surgery, it is advisable to perform surgery during a remission period. Whether treated with medication or surgery, it is important to follow medical advice.

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Where to massage for symptoms of gallblitis pain?

Gallbladder inflammation pain requires massaging the upper right abdomen, also known as the Murphy's point. The symptoms of gallbladder inflammation primarily include chills, fever, jaundice, pain, etc. Once a gallbladder inflammation attack occurs, it is necessary to promptly complete the relevant auxiliary examinations to determine the cause of the disease. Treatment should be based on the cause, and surgical treatment may be necessary when needed. The main causes of gallbladder inflammation include biliary infection, bile stasis, and biliary stones, etc. Patients with gallbladder inflammation should have a light diet and avoid greasy food.

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Can you drink alcohol with acute cholecystitis?

Acute cholecystitis, clinically divided into calculous cholecystitis and acalculous cholecystitis, is closely related to diet regardless of the type. Therefore, patients with acute cholecystitis should not consume alcohol, as drinking can lead to another attack of acute cholecystitis. Most episodes of acute cholecystitis are directly related to diet and excessive drinking, so not only during an acute attack but also in everyday life, it is important to avoid greasy, fried foods, spicy and irritating foods, and excessive alcohol consumption, in order to prevent stimulating the swelling of the gallbladder mucosa and triggering an attack of acute cholecystitis.

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What are the symptoms when there are problems with the gallbladder?

Gallbladder issues, specifically symptoms of cholecystitis, mainly include chills, fever, persistent dull pain in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen, episodic colic pain that radiates to the right shoulder and back, and may also be accompanied by jaundice, dark urine, nausea, vomiting, and constipation. Patients with cholecystitis often experience sudden pain at night, typically due to overeating or consuming greasy foods. Once cholecystitis occurs, it is advised to seek medical attention at a regular hospital as soon as possible, complete the relevant diagnostic tests, such as imaging studies of the abdomen, consider surgical treatment, and engage in active anti-infection treatment.

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Is hot compress effective for cholecystitis?

The main symptoms of cholecystitis include pain in the upper right abdomen and fever. If this occurs, applying heat to the painful area may temporarily relieve the pain, but it is merely a symptomatic treatment and not a cure, as cholecystitis is caused by an infection and requires antibiotic treatment. Therefore, the fundamental treatment is to reduce inflammation. Merely using heat for relief does not address the root of the disease. Thus, it is essential to receive treatment in a hospital, where a doctor can prescribe medication, which is the most effective and fundamental method.

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How to diagnose cholecystitis?

Firstly, we can use physical examination to check. Acute cholecystitis will show tenderness in the upper right abdomen. If pressing below the right ribs causes significant pain, it is likely to be acute cholecystitis. Secondly, instrument examination can be utilized, with the most common and cost-effective being an ultrasound examination. When examining cholecystitis, fasting is required; no food should be consumed for at least eight hours. Additionally, modern CT scans or MRI can be used to help determine whether there is inflammation in the gallbladder. Blood tests can also be conducted; an increase in white blood cells in a routine blood test can indicate the presence of inflammation.