Cholecystitis – this is a dangerous phenomenon, which is an inflammation of the gallbladder. The gallbladder is responsible for producing bile and releasing it into the small intestine. Therefore, in case of blockage of the bile ducts, there is a risk of infection and rupture of the gallbladder.
What is cholecystitis and why does it occur
Cholecystitis – this is an inflammation of the gallbladder, which is a small pear-shaped organ that is located on the right side of the abdomen, under the liver. The gallbladder is responsible for the production of bile and its release into the small intestine.
In most cases, gallstones that block the duct that exits the gallbladder cause cholecystitis due to bile accumulation and inflammation. Other causes of cholecystitis include problems with the bile duct and tumors.
Advanced cholecystitis is fraught with serious and life-threatening complications, the most dangerous of which is gallbladder rupture.
may include:
sharp pain in upper right abdomen;- pain that radiates from the right shoulder or back;
- painful tenderness when touched in the abdomen;
- nausea;
- vomit;
- heat
- Signs and symptoms of cholecystitis often appear after eating, especially large meals or fatty foods.
You need to see a doctor if you notice symptoms of cholecystitis. If the pain in the abdomen is so unbearable that you cannot sit or lie down, you need to call an ambulance.
Causes of cholecystitis
Cholecystitis appears due to inflammation of the gallbladder. Causes of inflammation of the gallbladder can be:
Stones in the gallbladder. Most cholecystitis is the result of solid particles that form in the gallbladder (gallstones) due to an imbalance in the bile – cholesterol and bile salts. These gallstones can block the cystic duct – duct through which bile exits the gallbladder. This leads to the accumulation of bile and inflammation.
Tumor. The tumor can interfere with the proper drainage of bile from the gallbladder, leading to its accumulation and, consequently, cholecystitis.
Blockage of the bile duct. Bends or scarring of the bile ducts can lead to blockage, which can lead to cholecystitis.
Complications due to cholecystitis
Cholecystitis can lead to a number of serious complications, including:
- Gallbladder infections: If bile accumulates in the gallbladder causing cholecystitis, the bile can become infected. - gallbladder tissue death: advanced cholecystitis can lead to gallbladder tissue death, which in turn can cause the gallbladder to crack or rupture.
- gallbladder rupture: gallbladder rupture can lead to gallbladder enlargement or infection.
Treatment of cholecystitis is usually carried out with the patient's hospitalization, during which the inflammation of the gallbladder is eliminated or surgery is performed. Possible treatments for cholecystitis include:
- Fasting: At first, you may not be able to eat or drink to reduce the burden on the inflamed gallbladder. Fluids may be given intravenously to prevent dehydration.- Antibiotics for infection: If your gallbladder is infected, your doctor will likely prescribe antibiotic treatment.
- Painkillers: These are given to control pain until inflammation in the gallbladder is reduced. As a rule, the symptoms are relieved after a few days.
Because cholecystitis often recurs, most patients with cholecystitis will have surgery to remove their gallbladder (cholecystectomy). The timing of surgery depends on the severity of symptoms and the overall risk of problems during and after surgery.
After the removal of the gallbladder, bile passes from the liver directly into the small intestine. Without a gallbladder, you can live a completely normal life, adhering to certain rules in nutrition and daily routine.
Prevention of cholecystitisThe risk of cholecystitis can be reduced by taking the following steps to prevent the formation of gallstones:
- Lose weight slowly:rapid weight loss
may increase the risk of gallstones; normal intensity of weight loss – 0.5 – 1 kg per week; - maintain a healthy weight: the risk of gallstones increases if the person is obese
; to achieve a healthy weight, you should limit the amount of calories consumed and increase physical activity; - choose a healthy diet: diets high in fat and low in fiber may increase the risk of gallstones;
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