Cholecystitis
An infection is the condition of multiplication of parasitic organisms or microorganisms within the body. An inflammation is the reactions that occur in the affected blood vessels and adjacent tissues in response to an injury or abnormal stimulation caused by a physical, chemical, or biologic agent. Many people use the terms interchangeably since they have several symptoms in common and usually are treated similarly.
It is an acute condition in which the gall bladder becomes inflamed and swollen due to the blockage bile flow into duodenum gallstones. The result is biliary colic: intense pain in upper right abdomen or between shoulders, indigestion, especially after fatty food, and nausea with or without vomiting. Left untreated, condition can lead to jaundice and occasionally, if gall bladder bursts, to a serious infection called peritonitis. If site of pain is as described above, and pain persists for more than 3 hours, consult your doctor if there is no improvement after 2 more hours.
Causes
- Gallstones
- Ischemia (decrease blood supply to gallbladder)
- Secondary Infections
Symptoms
- Often starts after a large fatty meal
- Sudden, steady pain in the middle or right upper abdomen
- Vomiting
- Fever
Diagnoses
- Medical History
- Clinical examination
- Abdominal X-ray
- Ultrasound
Course of illness
If untreated cholecystitis may lead to
- Gangrene in the gallbladder may occur. This is a severe infection with destruction of tissue. Diabetics and the elderly are at highest risk
- Cholangitis– infection that occurs in common bile duct outside the gallbladder
Treatment
- Bowel rest (no food or drink)
- Intravenous fluid/feeding
- Antibiotics to combat Infections. I.V. antibiotics may be used
- Pain medications
- Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy, Surgical removal of the gallbladder 2-3 days after cholecystitis for most patients