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 acute cholecystitis recur?

Acute cholecystitis can recur. This condition often results from a bacterial infection leading to an inflammatory response. At this stage, it can be treated with antibiotics to control the inflammation and alleviate the condition. However, if the gallbladder is not surgically removed, the inflammation can repeatedly flare up, potentially leading to chronic cholecystitis. This results in recurrent discomfort and pain in the upper right abdomen, affecting the quality of life. Therefore, for patients with acute cholecystitis, especially those caused by gallstones, it is advisable to undergo surgery as soon as possible. Only through surgical removal of the gallbladder can a complete cure be achieved, preventing recurrence.

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Do you need to fast and hold your urine for a gallbladder inflammation B-ultrasound?

When undergoing an ultrasound for cholecystitis, fasting is required, but there is no need to hold urine. However, if the examination involves the adnexa of the uterus, bladder, prostate, and other areas, it requires holding urine to perform the test, allowing the prostate, adnexa, etc., to sufficiently distend. This helps in more clearly observing pathological changes. Patients with cholecystitis need to fast before an ultrasound. If food is consumed before the scan, the gallbladder contracts more quickly, making it difficult to accurately identify lesions. Patients with cholecystitis may experience chills, fever, right upper abdominal pain, jaundice, yellowing skin, dark urine, etc. In severe cases, patients may develop septic shock and require active treatment measures.

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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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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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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.