Acute cholecystitis

 Acute cholecystitis is an inflammation of the gallbladder that occurs suddenly. It is a serious condition that can cause severe abdominal pain and requires prompt medical treatment. The most common cause of acute cholecystitis is the presence of a gallstone that blocks the neck of the gallbladder or the cystic duct, which carries bile from the gallbladder to the small intestine. Other possible causes of acute cholecystitis include inflammation of the gallbladder or the bile ducts due to infection, injury, or cancer. Symptoms of acute cholecystitis may include abdominal pain, fever, nausea, vomiting, and yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice). Treatment may include antibiotics to clear the infection, pain relief medications, and, in some cases, surgery to remove the gallbladder.

Acute cholecystitis causes symptoms and prevention

The main cause of acute cholecystitis is the presence of a gallstone that blocks the neck of the gallbladder or the cystic duct, which carries bile from the gallbladder to the small intestine. Other possible causes of acute cholecystitis include inflammation of the gallbladder or the bile ducts due to infection, injury, or cancer.

Symptoms of acute cholecystitis may include:

• Severe abdominal pain, often concentrated in the upper right or upper middle part of the abdomen
• Fever
• Nausea and vomiting
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes)
• Clay-coloured stools
• Abdominal tenderness when touched

To prevent the development of acute cholecystitis, it is essential to take steps to prevent the formation of gallstones. This may include:

• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Eating a healthy diet that is low in fat and cholesterol
• Exercising regularly
• Avoiding rapid weight loss

If you have a family history of gallstones or other risk factors for developing gallstones, your doctor may recommend medication to help prevent the formation of gallstones.