What are the symptoms of cholelithiasis cholecystitis?

Written by Zhu Dan Hua
Gastroenterology
Updated on September 04, 2024
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Cholecystitis due to gallstones is relatively common in clinical practice, with abdominal pain being a frequent reason for seeking medical attention. The pain usually manifests in the upper abdomen or right side, occurring in intermittent or continuous episodes. Typically, the nature of the pain is described as distension, colic, or dull pain. Patients may also experience radiating pain in the lower back, typically extending to the right side of the abdomen. Additionally, a small number of patients may experience nausea, vomiting, and even fever alongside abdominal pain. Fevers are usually mild to moderate, with body temperatures around 38°C (100.4°F). Nausea and vomiting occur as a digestive response following gallbladder contraction and subsequent inflammatory stimulation, with vomitus generally consisting of gastric contents and bile, but not blood. Therefore, if gallstone-induced cholecystitis is suspected, it is recommended for patients to undergo active endoscopic removal, typically via laparoscopic surgery. Of course, older patients might be treated conservatively with medications.

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Can cholecystitis be cured?

Can cholecystitis be cured? The answer is definitely yes. Cholecystitis can be cured through either medical or surgical means. Firstly, if it is chronic cholecystitis without obvious clinical symptoms, one can prevent acute attacks by paying attention to their daily life, avoiding high-fat and high-calorie diets, and keeping warm. If it is acute cholecystitis, then acute anti-infection treatment is needed. Moreover, if the inflammation is severe and the gallbladder is significantly enlarged, or there is even a risk of perforation, then emergency surgical treatment is necessary at this time.

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Diet after relief of acute cholecystitis

After the relief of acute cholecystitis, he still needs to pay attention to his diet: First, he should avoid spicy and irritating foods, such as chili peppers, barbecue, garlic, etc., avoid hard-to-digest foods, and avoid foods high in fat to reduce the burden on the gallbladder, such as fatty animal organs. Second, although the symptoms of acute cholecystitis have recovered, it is still necessary to maintain a light diet, eat more fresh vegetables and fruits, which are rich in vitamins and trace elements, to keep the bowels open and prevent other complications. Third, after the symptoms of acute cholecystitis have recovered, it is also appropriate to supplement some foods high in protein, which can enhance the patient's resistance and facilitate the recovery of the condition.

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Is acute cholecystitis with stones serious?

If a patient with gallstones develops acute cholecystitis, the severity of their condition is primarily related to the duration of the disease. In the early stages of acute cholecystitis, the patient may only experience upper abdominal pain and discomfort, which generally can be controlled with antibiotic treatment to manage the infection, thus alleviating the condition. However, if the inflammation is not addressed, the condition can worsen, possibly leading to peritonitis throughout the abdomen, with significant tenderness and rebound pain. There may also be radiating pain to the right shoulder, scapular area, and back. The condition is severe, with symptoms such as high fever, jaundice, and chills indicating systemic infection. Therefore, at this stage, the condition is severe and early surgical treatment is advisable for better therapeutic outcomes.

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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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How to treat gallbladder inflammation pain in women?

Women with cholecystitis causing pain, when the condition is more severe, can appropriately consume some antispasmodic and analgesic medications, and simultaneously use antibiotics for treatment, to alleviate these symptoms of pain. Normally, a light diet should be maintained, avoiding overly greasy foods. Smoking and alcohol should be quit, spicy peppers should not be consumed, and it is best to avoid fried foods or barbecued items. Regular attention to developing good dietary and lifestyle habits is necessary to manage the condition and reduce the likelihood of recurrent cholecystitis.