Gall bladder inflammation, medically known as cholecystitis, refers to the condition characterized by swelling and irritation of the gall bladder, a small organ located beneath the liver. This inflammation often occurs due to the presence of gallstones blocking the bile ducts, causing a buildup of bile and subsequent irritation. However, other factors such as bacterial infections, tumors, or injury to the gall bladder can also lead to this condition.
Symptoms of gall bladder inflammation typically include severe abdominal pain, particularly in the upper right area, tenderness, fever, nausea, vomiting, bloating, and an overall feeling of discomfort. The pain may worsen after consuming fatty or greasy foods. If left untreated, cholecystitis can progress into a more serious condition, potentially leading to complications such as abscesses, perforation of the gall bladder, or infection spreading to nearby organs.
Diagnosis of gall bladder inflammation may involve a physical examination, blood tests to assess liver function, imaging tests like ultrasound or CT scan to visualize the gall bladder and detect any abnormalities, and sometimes further endoscopic procedures or biopsies to rule out other possible causes.
Treatment options for gall bladder inflammation often involve the removal of the gall bladder through a surgical procedure called cholecystectomy. In cases where immediate surgery is not possible, conservative approaches may be employed initially, such as fasting, pain management, antibiotics to treat infections, and intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration. Lifestyle modifications such as dietary adjustments, including the reduction of fat intake, may be recommended after surgery to prevent further complications.
