What Is Cholecystitis?

Cholecystitis most commonly occurs when a gallstone blocks the cystic duct, preventing bile from flowing normally from the gallbladder. This blockage can cause bile accumulation, irritation, inflammation, and sometimes infection.

Cholecystitis may be acute, meaning it develops suddenly, or chronic, meaning repeated inflammation occurs over a longer period.

Common Symptoms of Cholecystitis

The symptoms of gallbladder inflammation may vary from person to person. Common symptoms include:

• Severe pain in the upper right side of the abdomen
• Pain that may spread to the right shoulder or back
• Abdominal tenderness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fever or chills
• Indigestion and bloating
• Pain after eating fatty meals
• Loss of appetite

Some patients may also develop jaundice, which can cause yellowing of the skin and eyes and may indicate an associated bile duct problem.

Causes of Cholecystitis

The most common cause of cholecystitis is gallstones. However, other factors can also contribute to gallbladder inflammation.

Possible causes include:

• Gallstones blocking the cystic duct
• Bile duct obstruction
• Gallbladder infection
• Biliary system disorders
• Tumors causing blockage
• Severe illness affecting blood supply to the gallbladder

Early medical evaluation is important because untreated cholecystitis may lead to serious complications.

How Is Cholecystitis Diagnosed?

Accurate diagnosis is essential for appropriate treatment. A gastroenterologist may recommend a detailed medical evaluation, including:

• Physical examination
• Blood tests
• Liver function tests
• Abdominal ultrasound
• CT scan when required
• MRI or MRCP in selected cases
• Endoscopic evaluation for associated biliary problems

These investigations can help identify gallstones, inflammation, bile duct obstruction, and other associated conditions.

Treatment for Cholecystitis

Treatment depends on the severity of the condition, the presence of gallstones, infection, and other complications.

Management may include:

Medical Treatment

Patients may require medicines for pain relief, nausea, infection, and inflammation. Hospital-based treatment may be required in acute or severe cases.

Dietary Management

Patients may be advised to temporarily avoid fatty and heavy foods, depending on their condition and medical advice.

Endoscopic Treatment

When cholecystitis is associated with bile duct stones or biliary obstruction, advanced procedures such as ERCP may be required in appropriate patients.

As a specialist in therapeutic endoscopy, Dr. Upendra Gupta provides expert assessment of gastrointestinal and biliary conditions and helps determine whether endoscopic treatment is suitable.

Surgical Treatment

In many cases of gallstone-related cholecystitis, gallbladder removal surgery may be recommended by the treating surgical team. The need and timing of surgery depend on the patient’s condition and clinical evaluation.

When Should You Consult a Gastroenterologist?

You should seek medical attention if you experience:

• Severe or persistent abdominal pain
• Repeated pain after meals
• Fever with abdominal pain
• Persistent vomiting
• Yellowing of the eyes or skin
• Dark urine or pale stools

Severe abdominal pain with fever, vomiting, or jaundice requires prompt medical evaluation.

Expert Care for Gallbladder and Digestive Disorders

At Indralok Gastro Liver Clinic, Dr. Upendra Gupta provides specialized consultation for a wide range of digestive and hepatobiliary conditions, including:

• Gallbladder disorders
• Gallstones
• Cholecystitis
• Bile duct obstruction
• Pancreatic disorders
• Liver diseases
• Gastrointestinal bleeding
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease
• Diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy
• ERCP and EUS-related evaluation

Book a Consultation with Dr. Upendra Gupta

If you are experiencing symptoms of gallbladder disease or cholecystitis, early evaluation can help identify the underlying cause and guide appropriate treatment.

Dr. Upendra Gupta, M.B.B.S., M.D. (Medicine), D.M. (Gastroenterology), IMS-BHU, is a Consultant Hepato-Gastroenterologist & Therapeutic Endoscopist specializing in the diagnosis and management of gastrointestinal, liver, pancreatic, and biliary disorders.

Visit Indralok Gastro Liver Clinic for expert consultation and personalized care for digestive, liver, gallbladder, pancreatic, and biliary health concerns.

Book your consultation with Dr. Upendra Gupta today for expert gastroenterology and liver care.