Is rib pain gallblitis?

Written by Guan Yu Hua
Orthopedic Surgery
Updated on September 25, 2024
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The gallbladder is located in the upper right abdomen, at the intersection of the midpoint of the right costal margin and the costal arch, near the midclavicular line. If there is tenderness in this area, it indicates a positive Murphy's sign. Usually, an ultrasound can reveal whether there is gallbladder wall thickening or a rough surface. Additionally, the ultrasound can detect gallstones or bile duct stones. Furthermore, a complete blood count should be performed to check for elevated white blood cells, which could indicate acute suppurative cholangitis. This condition may present with fever, positive Murphy's sign, Charcot's triad or pentad, and all require ultrasound for differentiation. Rib pain is mostly related to trauma, strain, or localized pressure during sleep, such as from a pillow corner, ashtray, or remote control. It can also be associated with costochondritis or intercostal neuralgia, and breathing heavily or coughing may cause pain. To confirm a diagnosis of cholecystitis, an ultrasound and a complete blood count should be performed.

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Written by Huang Gang
Gastroenterology
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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 Zhao Xin Lan
Endocrinology
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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.

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Written by Liu Wu Cai
Hepatobiliary Surgery
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Can you drink water with acute cholecystitis?

Whether patients with acute cholecystitis can drink water mainly depends on the course of the disease. In the early stages of acute cholecystitis, patients may experience digestive symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal distension. At this time, they should not drink water; instead, they require fasting and gastrointestinal decompression to better control the condition, especially to prevent the occurrence of intestinal obstruction. After antibiotic treatment and control of the inflammation, once the gastrointestinal function is fully restored, patients can then drink water, but only in small amounts. For patients with acute cholecystitis, if symptoms do not improve after conservative treatment, it may even be necessary to surgically remove the gallbladder to achieve a definitive cure. The primary method is laparoscopic cholecystectomy, which can effectively treat the condition.

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Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
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Symptoms of cholecystitis

Appendicitis symptoms generally manifest as sudden onset of severe pain in the upper right abdomen, which can radiate to the right shoulder, scapula, and back. The initial pain is typically a feeling of distension, which gradually develops into intermittent, colicky pain. This usually occurs suddenly after a full meal or consuming a large amount of fatty foods. The pain is persistent and may worsen in episodes. There is also usually accompanying fever, ranging from mild to moderate, but high fevers with chills, abdominal muscle rigidity, and stiffness can occur, along with tenderness; pain intensifies when pressed. Symptoms also include nausea, vomiting, constipation, and indigestion.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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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.