Cholecystitis
Cholecystitis is the sudden inflammation of the gallbladder.Gall bladder is a small, pear-shaped organ located on the underside of the liver
CAUSES
GALLSTONES: most often, Cholecystitis is the result of hard particles that develop in your gallbladder (gallstones), these gallstones can block the tube through which bile flows when it leaves the gallbladder. As a result bile builds up and causing the inflammation.
TUMOUR: a tumour may prevent bile from draining out of your gallbladder properly, causing build up that eventually lead to cholecystitis.
BILE DUCT BLOCKAGE: kinking or scaring of the bile ducts can cause blockage that can lead to cholecystitis.
INFECTION: AIDS and certain viral infections can trigger gall bladder inflammation
BLOOD VESSEL PROBLEMS: A very severe illness can damage blood vessels and decrease blood flow to the gallbladder, leading to cholecystitis.
RISK FACTORS
Having gallstones is the main risk factor for developing cholecystitis
SYMPTOMS
- Severe pain in the upper right or centre of the abdomen
- Tenderness over one’s abdomen when its touched
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
(Cholecystitis signs and symptoms often occur after a meal, particularly a large or fatty one)
COMPLICATIONS
- Infection with the gallbladder: if the bile builds up within the gallbladder causing cholecystitis the bile may become infected
- Death of the gallbladder tissue: untreated or chronic cholecystitis can cause tissue in the gallbladder to die.
- Torn gallbladder: a tear or perforation in one’s gallbladder may result from gallbladder swelling, infection or death of the tissue.
- Pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas
PREVENTION
- Lose weight slowly: rapid loss of weight can increase the risk of gallstones. If one needs to lose weight then aim to lose 0.5 to 1 kg per week).
- Maintain a healthy weight: being overweight makes more likely to develop gallstones. To achieve a healthy weight, reduce calories and increase your physical activity.
- Choose a healthy diet: diets high in fat and low in fiber may increase the risk of gallstones. To lower the risk, choose diet high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
TREATMENT
Treatment will be in accordance with the diagnosis made by the doctor which will be in reference to the cause of the cholecystitis identified.