The inflammation and irritation of your gallbladder, the pear-shaped digestive organ located on the right side of your belly beneath the liver, is known as cholecystitis. This disorder develops when bile, or digestive fluid, cannot adequately pass from the gallbladder into the intestines. It is frequently a consequence of gallstones. Bile accumulation can result in inflammation and symptoms including bloating and stomach pain.
Often chronic (long-lasting), this illness progresses slowly. Acute (short-term) cholecystitis symptoms, however, might manifest quickly and could indicate a medical emergency. Having said that, it’s critical to identify the signs of this illness so you can determine whether to seek medical attention.
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Symptoms of Cholecystitis
The main symptom of cholecystitis is pain in the abdomen. Although each person’s experience of pain is unique, similar traits include discomfort that:
- Positioned in the upper right abdomen
- Is sharp or severe
- Lasts anywhere from 30 minutes to many hours
- Extends beneath the right shoulder blade or to the middle back
- Is duller, but lasts weeks
- Occurs either at night or following a meal
- Deep breaths make it worse
- Arises with consumption of oily, fatty, or spicy foods
It’s important to remember that persistent cholecystitis symptoms can appear and disappear. There are times when you have no symptoms at all and other times when you have a constant, dull pain that lasts for weeks. But abrupt, intense pain episodes with sharper, more intense stabs are the result of acute cholecystitis.
Some people may experience chest pain that is so intense it feels like they are experiencing a heart attack.
Symptoms of Digestion
You can’t digest meals properly if you have cholecystitis. Eating greasy or fatty foods can increase the amount of bile in your system and induce inflammation since bile aids in the body’s breakdown of lipids. You can also feel any of the following symptoms in addition to the stomach pain:
- Bloating, especially after eating
- Vomiting and nausea
- Belching (burping)
- Flatulence (farting)
- Stools with a clay color
- Urine with a dark hue
- Intolerances to certain foods, particularly those that are greasy, fatty, or hot
- Appetite loss
Other Symptoms
Cholecystitis can cause pain and digestive issues in addition to a number of other symptoms. Among them are:
- Swelling in the abdomen
- Fever
- Headache
- Sweating
- Chills and shivering
- Weary
- Pain, stiffness, and weakness of the muscles
- Jaundice
The likelihood of discomfort and fever with this illness is lower in those over 65. Because of this, it could be challenging for medical professionals to identify the illness early and provide treatment alternatives. It’s unfortunate that elderly individuals are more susceptible to this illness, so if you or a loved one experiences symptoms that are out of the ordinary, it’s critical to get medical attention.
Uncommon symptoms
Cholecystitis can worsen and occasionally result in fatal complications if left untreated. It is important to remember that these issues are uncommon. Nevertheless, side effects include pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), gallbladder holes, peritonitis (inflammation of the membrane lining the belly), and difficulty with food digestion.
Among these consequences’ symptoms are:
- Accelerated heart rate
- Fever, chills, sweating
- Headache
- Dry cough
- Stomach ache following a meal
- Loss of appetite and inadvertent weight loss
- Fatty or greasy stools
- Swelling in the abdomen
- Reduced blood pressure
- A rise in thirst
- Decreased urination and blood in the pee
- Inability to concentrate
When to Get in Touch with a Medical Professional
Acute cholecystitis is a medical emergency that requires immediate care. Take prompt action if you encounter any of the following telltale symptoms of a cholecystitis attack:
- A sudden, acute abdominal ache
- Cramping lasting for at least a few hours
- Bloating
- Vomiting and nausea
- Persistent fever
- Fainting or loss of consciousness
If your symptoms persist after therapy or if you start to show symptoms of an infection, get in touch with your doctor.
An Overview
A gallbladder inflammation that results in episodes of excruciating pain in the upper right abdomen is known as cholecystitis. This illness causes digestive symptoms like gas, nausea, and bloating in addition to discomfort. If you experience symptoms, you should consult a doctor right once because the condition can lead to dangerous side effects if left untreated.