Cholecystitis is inflammation of the gallbladder. Cholecystitis usually develops when the bile gets trapped in gallbladder. Normally bile drains out of gallbladder and into small intestine. If the bile is blocked, it builds up in gallbladder. This causes inflammation and can cause infection. Cholecystitis can be sudden (acute) or long-term (chronic).
Causes
Most common cause for the Cholecystitis is gallstones. gallstones block the cystic duct through which bile flows when it leaves the gallbladder. So bile builds up resulting in inflammation.
Some other factors leading to disease are
Tumors that obstruct bile draining from gallbladder
Infections
bile duct blockages
damages in blood vessels supplying to gallbladder causing inadequate blood supply
Signs and symptoms?
️ Severe pain in your upper right or center abdomen
️ Pain that spreads to your right shoulder or back
️ Tenderness over your abdomen when it's touched
️ Nausea
️ Vomiting
️ Fever
️ Yellowing of the skin and eyes
The symptoms of cholecystitis may look like other health problems. Always see healthcare provider to be sure.
What are the complications associated with Cholecystitis?
Infection
bile that is trapped inside gallbladder can get infected with bacteria resulting in pain.
gangrene (death of tissue)
if left untreated this may lead to death of gallbladder tissue resulting in tears or rupture.
Torn gallbladder
Bile duct injury that affects liver
Infection and inflammation of pancreas
Infection and inflammation of lining of belly
If gallbladder has not been removed will have more attacks of cholecystitis and may develop long-term (chronic) cholecystitis. Chronic cholecystitis may not cause any symptoms. But it can damage the walls of gallbladder. The walls can become scarred and get thicker. So gallbladder will start to get smaller. Over time, it will be less able to store and release bile.
How can cholecystitis be prevented?
Choose a healthy diet with less fat and cholesterol and more fruit vegetables and grain.
Maintain a healthy weight and if necessary, lose weight slowly.
Regular exercise
Being overweight makes more likely to develop gallstones. To achieve a healthy weight, reduce calories and increase physical activity. Maintain a healthy weight by continuing to eat well and exercise.
Physical therapy management.
A physiotherapist can play a role in customizing exercise programmes. Early activity assists with the return of intestinal motility, so the patient is encouraged to begin progressive movement and ambulation as soon as possible after gallbladder removal surgery.
References
· https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/cholecystitis
· https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cholecystitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20364867
· http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/171886-overview
Dharani Gunawardhane
Omal Senanayake
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