What is Cholecystitis?

Cholecystitis is the medical term for inflammation of the gallbladder, a small organ located beneath the liver. The gallbladder stores bile — a digestive fluid that helps break down fats. When the flow of bile is blocked, it can cause the gallbladder to become irritated and inflamed.

Cholecystitis can be acute (sudden and severe) or chronic (recurring over time). If not treated promptly, it may lead to serious complications like gallbladder rupture, infection, or damage to nearby organs.

Causes of Cholecystitis

The most common cause of cholecystitis is gallstones. These are hardened deposits of digestive fluid that can block the bile duct, trapping bile inside the gallbladder and triggering inflammation.

Other possible causes include:

• Tumors that block bile drainage
• Bile duct problems or strictures
• Infections, including bacterial infections
• Trauma or injury to the abdomen
• Severe illness or immune system disorders

Symptoms of Cholecystitis

Cholecystitis often causes pain and digestive issues. Symptoms may include:

• Pain in the upper right or center of the abdomen
• Pain that spreads to the right shoulder or back
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fever and chills
• Abdominal tenderness, especially after eating
• Bloating or a feeling of fullness

In chronic cases, symptoms may be milder but recurrent, especially after eating fatty meals.

How is Cholecystitis Diagnosed?

Doctors use a combination of physical exams, imaging, and lab tests to diagnose cholecystitis:

• Ultrasound – the most common test to check for gallstones and gallbladder inflammation
• CT scan or MRI – to get a detailed view of the abdomen
• HIDA scan – checks bile flow through the gallbladder
• Blood tests – to look for signs of infection, liver problems, or inflammation

Treatment for Cholecystitis

Treatment depends on the severity of the condition. Options include:

• Hospitalization – for IV fluids, antibiotics, and pain control
• Fasting – to rest the digestive system
• Gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy) – usually performed laparoscopically
• Drainage procedure – if surgery is not immediately safe

Most people recover fully after treatment, especially if gallstones are removed and infection is managed quickly.

Risk Factors

Factors that increase the risk of developing cholecystitis include:

• Gallstones (most common cause)
• Obesity or rapid weight loss
• Being female and over the age of 40
• Pregnancy
• A high-fat, low-fiber diet
• Diabetes
• Family history of gallbladder disease

Complications of Cholecystitis

If not treated, cholecystitis can lead to:

• Gallbladder rupture (can cause life-threatening infection)
• Bile duct infection (cholangitis)
• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
• Sepsis (infection spreading through the bloodstream)
• Chronic cholecystitis, with thickening and scarring of the gallbladder

Prevention Tips

You can lower your risk of cholecystitis by making healthy lifestyle changes:

• Maintain a healthy weight
• Eat a balanced diet rich in fiber and low in saturated fats
• Avoid rapid or extreme weight loss
• Exercise regularly
• Stay hydrated

If you’ve had gallstones or related problems, your doctor may recommend gallbladder removal to prevent future issues.

Prognosis

With early treatment, the outlook for cholecystitis is generally very good. Most people recover fully, especially if the gallbladder is removed. Delayed treatment can lead to complications, so prompt medical care is essential.