Is cholecystitis hereditary?

Written by Luo Han Ying
Endocrinology
Updated on September 24, 2024
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Cholecystitis is an inflammation of the gallbladder, which is related to dietary habits in our daily lives. For example, people who particularly enjoy oily foods, or generally eat in large quantities, or have irregular eating habits, such as those who often skip breakfast and eat meals inconsistently, are prone to developing cholecystitis. If we consider cholecystitis on its own, it actually does not have a genetic predisposition. However, cholecystitis is often seen in individuals who are obese and have irregular lifestyles, and such traits can typically be related to family habits. For instance, if parents and grandparents are overweight, their children are also likely to be overweight. Similarly, if one's lifestyle is irregular, characterized by inconsistent meals, it might be a reflection of the family's general irregular lifestyle. Therefore, children of parents who suffer from cholecystitis are also more likely to suffer from the condition, not due to genetics, but due to their body type, dietary habits, and family lifestyle practices.

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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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Which department should I go to for cholecystitis?

Firstly, it is necessary to determine the cause of the cholecystitis. The most common type of cholecystitis is caused by gallstones. If the cholecystitis is an acute episode caused by gallstones, leading to pain, nausea, vomiting, or even high fever, surgical intervention is usually indicated. It is generally recommended to consult with departments such as general surgery or hepatobiliary surgery, as emergency surgery may be needed. The second scenario involves cases where cholecystitis is detected during routine physical examinations without symptoms. Ultrasound may show gallstones or gallbladder polyps. In symptom-free situations, it is possible to consult general departments like gastroenterology, and regular follow-ups and checks of inflammation indicators, as well as abdominal ultrasonography, can be performed to monitor the dynamic changes of the cholecystitis. The third scenario pertains to cholecystitis where new techniques such as MRCP are available. With this technology, gallstones can be removed under endoscopic guidance. Generally, these procedures are performed in the gastroenterology department. Thus, for acute cholecystitis with choledocholithiasis and concurrent biliary pancreatitis, it may be treated with endoscopic techniques under gastroenterology, avoiding the need for traditional or minimally invasive surgery. Therefore, patients with cholecystitis may visit either the hepatobiliary surgery or gastroenterology departments.

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Is surgery necessary for cholecystitis with gallstones?

Gallstone cholecystitis primarily has several treatment methods, targeted towards symptomatic and asymptomatic treatments. These include medical treatment and surgical treatment. Not all cases of cholecystitis require surgery. For some asymptomatic gallbladder stones, treatments can be managed through dietary therapy, symptomatic treatment, and preventive treatment for those at high risk, including dietary adjustments or treatments that promote bile flow. Preventive gallbladder removal may be considered for those at high risk of gallbladder cancer. For symptomatic cases, the main goal is to control symptoms and primarily reduce inflammation. For chronic cholecystitis and gallstones, if there is no significant improvement with medical treatment, then surgical treatment may be considered.

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Location of pain in female cholecystitis

The main symptoms of cholecystitis include upper abdominal pain. Mild cases generally are limited to the upper abdomen, while severe cases may affect the entire body, and 70% of patients with cholecystitis do not show any symptoms. The early symptoms of cholecystitis can suddenly manifest as severe colicky pain in the upper right abdomen, which can also radiate to the right shoulder and back. These symptoms are generally triggered by consuming a large amount of fatty foods and are more likely to occur at night. If the condition progresses, the pain becomes persistent and progressively worsens, and may also be accompanied by mild to moderate fever. Some patients may experience chills and high fever, indicating that the condition is very severe.

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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.