Methods to alleviate gallbladder inflammation pain

Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
Updated on February 27, 2025
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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.

Other Voices

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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Why is there nothing wrong with the B-ultrasound for cholecystitis?

As for why cholecystitis appears normal in an ultrasound, there are two possible reasons. One possibility is that the medical practitioner conducting the ultrasound may lack sufficient clinical experience to identify an inflamed gallbladder. Another reason could be limitations in the ultrasound equipment itself, which might fail to detect an inflamed gallbladder. There are very few cases where cholecystitis appears normal under ultrasound. The main ultrasound features of cholecystitis include gallbladder wall edema, roughness, and an enlarged gallbladder among other radiological changes. Once cholecystitis is diagnosed, it is crucial to undertake active treatment measures, such as aggressive anti-infection treatment, spasmodic pain relief, etc.

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Written by Zhang Tao
Hepatobiliary Surgery
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The difference between acute cholecystitis and chronic cholecystitis

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 Zhang Tao
Hepatobiliary Surgery
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What to do if you have cholecystitis?

Cholecystitis usually occurs in people with gallstones or gallbladder polyps. Patients with cholecystitis generally experience discomfort and bloating pain in the upper right abdomen. Cholecystitis is an inflammation of the inner wall of the gallbladder, which can cause abdominal pain in mild cases and lead to bile stasis and suppurative cholecystitis in severe cases. The first step in treating cholecystitis is to actively use antibiotics. Those with cholecystitis should actively use antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory drugs. It is also important to maintain a light diet and avoid consuming too many greasy foods. To prevent recurrence, it is generally recommended that patients take oral anti-inflammatory and bile-promoting tablets after cholecystitis symptoms are controlled. These medications can play a preventive role in patients with acute and chronic cholecystitis.

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Written by Guan Yu Hua
Orthopedic Surgery
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Is rib pain gallblitis?

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 Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
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Where is the pain located for cholecystitis?

The pain from cholecystitis typically presents as noticeable abdominal pain. Generally, a clear projection point in the abdomen is in the upper right quadrant, below the edge of the rib cage, which corresponds to the projection point of the gallbladder. This is a typical site of pain during a cholecystitis attack. Additionally, some people may experience pain and discomfort in the right back, which characterizes radiating pain. During an attack of cholecystitis, this radiating pain can extend to the right back area. A very small number of people might experience chest tightness, nausea, and even vomiting, all of which are accompanying symptoms of cholecystitis.