Chronic cholecystitis (patient information)

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What is Cholecystitis?

Cholecystitis is inflammation of the gallbladder. There are two distinct types of cholecystitis, acute and chronic. Acute cholecystitis is a sudden inflammation of the gallbladder that causes severe abdominal pain. Chronic cholecystitis is long-standing swelling and irritation of the gallbladder.

What are the symptoms of Cholecystitis?

Acute Cholecystitis

The main symptom is abdominal pain that is located on the upper right side or upper middle of the abdomen. The pain may:

  • Be sharp, cramping, or dull
  • Come and go
  • Spread to the back or below the right shoulder blade
  • Be worse after eating fatty or greasy foods
  • Occur within minutes of a meal

Other symptoms that may occur include:

Chronic Cholecystitis

Attacks of upper abdominal pain, often with nausea or vomiting.

What are the causes of Cholecystitis?

Acute Cholecystitis

In 90% of cases, acute cholecystitis is caused by gallstones in the gallbladder. Severe illness, alcohol abuse, and, rarely, tumors of the gallbladder may also cause cholecystitis.

Acute cholecystitis causes bile to become trapped in the gallbladder. The buildup of bile causes irritation and pressure in the gallbladder. This can lead to bacterial infection and perforation of the organ.

Chronic Cholecystitis

Chronic cholecystitis is usually caused by repeated attacks of acute cholecystitis. This leads to thickening of the gallbladder walls. The gallbladder begins to shrink and eventually loses the ability to perform its function, which is concentrating, storing, and releasing bile.

Who is at risk for Cholecystitis?

Risk Factors for Cholecystitis include:

  • Gender: The disease occurs more often in women than in men
  • Age: The incidence increases after age 40
  • The presence or development of gallstones
  • Race: Native Americans have a higher rate of gallstones

How to know you have Cholecystitis (Diagnosis)?

Acute Cholecystitis

A physical exam will show that your abdomen is tender to the touch.

Your doctor may order the following blood tests:

Imaging tests that can show gallstones or inflammation include:

Chronic Cholecystitis

Tests that reveal gallstones or inflammation in the gallbladder:

When to seek urgent medical care

Acute Cholecystitis

Call your health care provider if severe abdominal pain persists.

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms of cholecystitis recur after an acute episode.

Chronic Cholecystitis

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you develop any symptoms of cholecystitis.

Treatment options

Diseases with similar symptoms

Where to find medical care for Cholecystitis

Directions to Hospitals Treating Cholecystitis

Prevention of Cholecystitis

What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)

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