Contents
What is Cholecystitis?
Cholecystitis is inflammation of the gallbladder. The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ connected to the liver, on the right side of the abdomen, which stores bile and releases it into the small intestine to help in the digestion of fat. This occurs due to gallstones blocking the entrance of the gallbladder, causing irritation and pressure in the gallbladder. This can lead to swelling and infection.Recovery Time
The pain or discomfort may go away or become less severe after several hours if a trapped gallstone passes out of the cystic duct on its own. Your abdomen may continue to ache mildly for about 24 hours. Most people recover from episodes of acute cholecystitis within a few days to a few weeks.Symptoms of chronic cholecystitis may be present for years before a diagnosis is made. Surgery to remove the gallbladder will prevent symptoms from coming back.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is done by conducting physical examination and taking medical history of the patient. Other tests which may be suggested include:- Blood tests
- Ultrasound scan
- Imaging tests like abdominal X-ray or computerised tomography (CT) scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, magnetic resonance imaging scan with cholangiopancreatography (MRCP)
- A scan that shows the movement of bile through your body. A hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid (HIDA) scan
FAQs prepared by doctor
1. What is Cholecystitis?Cholecystitis is inflammation of the gallbladder.
2. What is a gall bladder?
The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ connected to the liver, on the right side of the abdomen, which stores bile and releases it into the small intestine to help in the digestion of fat.
3. How do cholecystitis happen?
This occurs due to gallstones blocking the entrance of the gallbladder, causing irritation and pressure in the gallbladder. Eventually it leads to swelling and infection.
4. What to do when one is suffering from such disease?
Drink plenty of water, juices (except grape and apple) and keep diet restriction
5. When shall one consult a doctor?
One shall consult a doctor if one has severe abdominal pain along with fever with or without chills. Nausea and vomiting and Clay coloured stools, Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), Pale and dark urine, Grayish bowel movements are the feature when one shall consult a doctor without delay.