The difference between acute cholecystitis and chronic cholecystitis

Written by Zhang Tao

Hepatobiliary Surgery

Updated on September 29, 2024

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Chronic cholecystitis clinically manifests as recurrent dull pain in the upper abdomen and biliary colic, which the patient can quickly relieve on their own; acute cholecystitis involves more severe pain that cannot be relieved without intervention, and is usually accompanied by fever, nausea, and vomiting. In chronic cholecystitis, pressing on the right upper abdomen elicits no special reaction; in acute cholecystitis, pressing on the right upper abdomen causes obvious pain, known as a positive Murphy's sign. Acute cholecystitis is accompanied by a significant increase in white blood cells, and an ultrasound can reveal a marked enlargement and thickening of the gallbladder wall; chronic cholecystitis does not show these specific characteristics.

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Written by Huang Gang

Gastroenterology

41sec

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How to deal with nausea and the urge to vomit from cholecystitis?

Nausea and vomiting caused by cholecystitis should be treated with medications according to individual clinical symptoms. At the same time, it is important to make a correct judgment based on the cause of the disease. If cholecystitis is caused by overeating, medications that aid digestion should be used first to alleviate symptoms. If a bacterial infection is confirmed, antibiotics should also be used to reduce inflammation and treat the condition symptomatically. Patients with cholecystitis should maintain a light diet, avoid overeating and greasy food, and should quit smoking and drinking alcohol, maintaining a structured lifestyle.

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Written by Si Li Li

Gastroenterology

51sec

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Methods to alleviate gallbladder inflammation pain

The primary symptoms of cholecystitis include sudden, severe pain in the upper right abdomen, which typically radiates to the right shoulder, scapula, and back. The pain often occurs more frequently at night and can be exacerbated by consuming a large amount of fatty foods, which may lead to acute cholecystitis. In terms of treatment, if severe abdominal pain occurs, timely pain relief is necessary. Spasmolytic painkillers and analgesics, such as opioids, can be used for pain relief. Additionally, treatment should address the underlying cause, including the use of antibiotics. Aminoglycoside antibiotics or cephalosporin antibiotics can be effective in treating the infection, and controlling the infection will also help alleviate the pain.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu

Gastroenterology

44sec

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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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Written by Xie Zheng Yuan

Gastroenterology

50sec

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Symptoms of acute cholecystitis

Acute cholecystitis is a relatively common digestive system disease in clinical practice, often triggered by the presence of gallstones, leading to acute inflammation of the gallbladder. When an acute cholecystitis attack occurs, it typically presents as pain in the upper right abdomen, accompanied by fever, and sometimes nausea and vomiting, similar to symptoms of gastric discomfort. Additionally, if a gallstone falls and lodges in the cystic duct, or even in the common bile duct, it can cause jaundice, as indicated by the yellowing of the skin and sclera. During a physical examination, it might be possible to detect tenderness in the upper right abdomen, or even rebound tenderness. Another possible positive sign could be Murphy's sign, which are all common manifestations of acute cholecystitis.

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Written by Liu Wu Cai

Hepatobiliary Surgery

1min

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What are the serious consequences of cholecystitis?

The severe consequences of cholecystitis include gangrene and perforation of the gallbladder, leading to obvious signs of peritonitis throughout the abdomen, with noticeable tenderness and rebound pain. For patients with recurrent cholecystitis, it is advisable to use antibiotics for anti-infection treatment as soon as possible, as the condition can only be alleviated after the inflammation is under control. During recurrent episodes, surgical treatment should also be considered promptly. Removal of the gallbladder through surgery is the only way to achieve a radical cure. In most cases, laparoscopic cholecystectomy is chosen because it has the advantages of smaller incisions, less damage, and faster recovery, and is therefore often the preferred option in clinical settings. Patients who have undergone surgery should also avoid spicy and irritating foods to reduce inflammation and better facilitate recovery.