Cholecystitis - Symptoms, Causes, Treatments Cholecystitis Treatments What is cholecystitis? Cholecystitis is the medical name for inflammation of the gallbladder. The gallbladder assists in the digestive process by storing and releasing the substance called bile into the small intestine, which helps break down food. Cholecystitis is most often the result of an obstruction within a duct in the gallbladder. Gallstones (cholelithiasis) are the most common cause of obstruction within the gallbladder. Left untreated, the inflammation may lead to infection. Other less common causes of cholecystitis include infection, injury and tumors. Inflammation of the gallbladder is a common disease in the United States. The disease is more common in women than in men, and it occurs most frequently after the age of 40. There are two types of cholecystitis: acute, which comes on suddenly, and chronic, which is longstanding and persistent. Gallstones are the most common cause for both types. Recurrent episodes of gallstones lead to thickening of the gallbladder wall and make the gallbladder less effective at removing bile and other substances.

Ultimately, the condition may become chronic. Looking for a Doctor? Search Now Find a Gastroenterologist Near You The signs and symptoms of cholecystitis can come and go or remain constant. The disease course varies among individuals. Some people with cholecystitis have no symptoms at all, while others may have severe abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, and blockage of the bile ducts that may lead to infection. 8 Foods That Aid Digestion Here's what you can eat help keep your digestive tract healthy and happy. Acute gallstone attacks can be managed with intravenous medications. If repeated episodes occur and lead to chronic cholecystitis, the preferred treatment is surgical removal of the gallbladder. Although not everyone is able to prevent gallstone formation and cholecystitis, you may be able to reduce your risk by following a healthy, low-cholesterol diet. Left untreated, cholecystitis can lead to serious complications, such as tissue damage, tears in the gallbladder, and infection that spreads to other parts of the body.

Seek immediate medical care (call 911) for serious symptoms such as high fever (higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit), severe abdominal pain, abdominal swelling, and nausea with or without vomiting. Seek prompt medical care if you are being treated for cholecystitis but your symptoms persist, recur, or cause you concern. SPONSORED Cholecystitis-Overview Cholecystitis Credits What is cholecystitis? Cholecystitis is inflammation of the gallbladder , a small organ near the liver that plays a part in digesting food. Normally, fluid called bile passes out of the gallbladder on its way to the small intestine. If the flow of bile is blocked, it builds up inside the gallbladder, causing swelling, pain, and possible infection. What causes cholecystitis? A gallstone stuck in the cystic duct , a tube that carries bile from the gallbladder, is most often the cause of sudden (acute) cholecystitis. The gallstone blocks fluid from passing out of the gallbladder. This results in an irritated and swollen gallbladder. Infection or trauma, such as an injury from a car accident, can also cause cholecystitis.

Acute acalculous cholecystitis, though rare, is most often seen in critically ill people in hospital intensive care units. In these cases, there are no gallstones . Complications from another severe illness, such as HIV or diabetes , cause the swelling. Long-term (chronic) cholecystitis is another form of cholecystitis. It occurs when the gallbladder remains swollen over time, causing the walls of the gallbladder to become thick and hard. What are the symptoms? The most common symptom of cholecystitis is pain in your upper right abdomen that can sometimes move around to your back or right shoulder blade. Other symptoms include: Tenderness in the right abdomen . Fever. Pain that gets worse during a deep breath. Pain for more than 6 hours, particularly after meals. Older people may not have fever or pain. Their only symptom may be a tender area in the abdomen. How is cholecystitis diagnosed? Diagnosing cholecystitis starts when you describe your symptoms to your doctor. Next is a physical exam . Your doctor will carefully feel your right upper abdomen to look for tenderness.

You may have blood drawn and an ultrasound , a test that uses sound waves to create a picture of your gallbladder. Ultrasound may show gallstones, thickening of the gallbladder wall, extra fluid, and other signs of cholecystitis. This test also allows doctors to check the size and shape of your gallbladder. You could also have a gallbladder scan , a nuclear scanning test that checks how well your gallbladder is working. It can also help find blockage in the tubes (bile ducts) that lead from the liver to the gallbladder and small intestine (duodenum). Continued How is it treated? Treatment for cholecystitis will depend on your symptoms and your general health. People who have gallstones but don't have any symptoms may need no treatment. For mild cases, treatment includes bowel rest, fluids and antibiotics given through a vein, and pain medicine. The main treatment for acute cholecystitis is surgery to remove the gallbladder (cholecystectomy). Often this surgery can be done through small incisions in the abdomen ( laparoscopic cholecystectomy ), but sometimes it requires a more extensive operation.

Your doctor may try to reduce swelling and irritation in the gallbladder before removing it. Sometimes acute cholecystitis is caused by one or more gallstones getting stuck in the main tube leading to the intestine, called the common bile duct . Treatment may involve an endoscopic procedure (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, or ERCP) to remove the stones in the common bile duct before the gallbladder is removed. In rare cases of chronic cholecystitis, you may also receive medicine that dissolves gallstones over a period of time. WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.© 1995-2015 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. Pagination Acute cholecystitis - NHS Choices Acute cholecystitis Acute cholecystitis Acute cholecystitis is inflammation of the gallbladder. It usually occurs when a gallstone blocks the cystic duct.

Gallstones are small stones, usually made of cholesterol, that form in the gallbladder. The cystic duct is the main opening of the gallbladder. Gallstones are very common, affecting about 1 in 10 adults in the UK. They don't usually cause symptoms, but they can occasionally cause episodes of pain (biliary colic) or acute cholecystitis. Acute cholecystitis is potentially serious. It usually needs to be treated in hospital with rest, intravenous fluids and antibiotics . This topic covers: Preventing cholecystitis Symptoms of cholecystitis The main symptom of acute cholecystitis is a sudden sharp pain in the upper right-hand side of your tummy (abdomen). This pain spreads towards your right shoulder. The affected part of the abdomen is usually very tender, and breathing deeply can make the pain worse. Unlike other types of abdominal pain , the pain of acute cholecystitis is usually persistent and doesn't go away within a few hours.

Some people may have additional symptoms, such as: a high temperature (fever) yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes (jaundice) a bulge in the abdomen When to seek medical advice See your GP as soon as possible if you develop sudden and severe abdominal pain, particularly if it lasts longer than a few hours or is accompanied by other symptoms, such as jaundice and a fever. If you're unable to contact your GP immediately, phone your local out-of-hours service or call NHS 111 for advice. It's important for acute cholecystitis to be diagnosed as soon as possible as there's a risk serious complications could develop if it isn't treated promptly. What causes acute cholecystitis? The causes of acute cholecystitis can be grouped into two main categories: calculous cholecystitis and acalculous cholecystitis. Calculous cholecystitis Calculous cholecystitis is the most common, and usually less serious, type of acute cholecystitis. It accounts for around 95% of all cases.

Calculous cholecystitis develops when the main opening to the gallbladder, called the cystic duct, gets blocked by a gallstone or a substance known as biliary sludge. Biliary sludge is a mixture of bile, a liquid produced by the liver that helps digest fats, and small cholesterol and salt crystals. The blockage in the cystic duct causes bile to build up in the gallbladder, increasing the pressure inside it and causing it to become inflamed. In around one in every five cases, the inflamed gallbladder also becomes infected by bacteria. Acalculous cholecystitis Acalculous cholecystitis is a less common, but usually more serious, type of acute cholecystitis. It usually develops as a complication of a serious illness, infection or injury that damages the gallbladder. Acalculous cholecystitis can be caused by accidental damage to the gallbladder during major surgery, serious injuries or burns , blood poisoning (sepsis) , severe malnutrition or AIDS . Diagnosing acute cholecystitis If you have severe abdominal pain, your GP will probably carry out a simple test called Murphy's sign.

You'll be asked to breathe in deeply with your GP's hand pressed on your tummy, just below your rib cage. Your gallbladder will move downwards as you breathe in. If you have cholecystitis, you'll experience sudden pain as your gallbladder reaches your doctor's hand. If your symptoms suggest you have acute cholecystitis, your GP will refer you to hospital immediately for further tests and treatment. Tests you may have in hospital include: blood tests – to check for signs of inflammation in your body an ultrasound scan of your abdomen – to check for gallstones or other signs of a problem with your gallbladder Other scans – such as an X-ray , computerised tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan – may also be carried out to examine your gallbladder in more detail if there's any uncertainty about your diagnosis. Treating acute cholecystitis If you're diagnosed with acute cholecystitis, you'll probably need to be admitted to hospital for treatment.

Initial treatment Initial treatment will usually involve: not eating or drinking (fasting) to take the strain off your gallbladder receiving fluids through a drip directly into a vein (intravenously) to prevent dehydration taking medication to relieve your pain You'll also be given antibiotics if it's thought you have an infection. These often need to be continued for up to a week, during which time you may need to stay in hospital, or you may be able to go home. After initial treatment, any gallstones that may have caused acute cholecystitis usually fall back into the gallbladder and the inflammation will often settle down. Surgery Removing your gallbladder may be recommended at some point after initial treatment to prevent acute cholecystitis recurring and reduce your risk of developing potentially serious complications. This type of surgery is known as a cholecystectomy . Although uncommon, an alternative procedure called a percutaneous cholecystostomy may be carried out if you're too unwell to have surgery. This is where a needle is inserted through your abdomen to drain away the fluid that's built up in the gallbladder. If you're fit enough to have surgery, your doctors will decide when the best time to remove your gallbladder is.

In some cases you may need to have surgery immediately or in the next day or two, or it may be necessary to wait a few weeks until the inflammation has settled down. Surgery can be carried out in three ways: laparoscopic cholecystectomy – a type of keyhole surgery where the gallbladder is removed using special surgical instruments inserted through a number of small cuts (incisions) in your abdomen single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy – where the gallbladder is removed through a single incision, which is usually made near the bellybutton open cholecystectomy – where the gallbladder is removed through a single larger incision in the abdomen Although some people who've had their gallbladder removed have reported symptoms of bloating and diarrhoea after eating certain foods, it's possible to lead a perfectly normal life without a gallbladder. The organ can be useful, but it's not essential as your liver will still produce bile to digest food. Without appropriate treatment, acute cholecystitis can sometimes lead to potentially life-threatening complications.

The main complications of acute cholecystitis are: the death of gallbladder tissue (gangrenous cholecystitis) – which can cause a serious infection that could spread throughout the body the gallbladder splitting open (perforated gallbladder) – which can spread the infection within your abdomen (peritonitis) or lead to a build-up of pus (abscess) Emergency surgery to remove the gallbladder is needed to treat these complications in about one in every five cases of acute cholecystitis. Preventing acute cholecystitis It isn't always possible to prevent acute cholecystitis, but you can lower your risk of developing it by reducing your risk of getting gallstones. One of the main things you can do to lower your chances of getting gallstones is to adopt a healthy, balanced diet and reduce the number of high-cholesterol foods you eat, as cholesterol is thought to contribute to the formation of gallstones. Being overweight, particularly being obese , also increases your risk of developing gallstones. You should therefore control your weight by eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly .

However, low-calorie rapid weight loss diets should be avoided because there's evidence they can disrupt your bile chemistry and actually increase your risk of developing gallstones. A more gradual weight loss plan is best. Read more about preventing gallstones . The gallbladder The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ located beneath the liver. It's main purpose is to store and concentrate bile. The liver produces bile, a liquid that helps digest fats and carries toxins excreted by the liver. Bile is passed from the liver through a series of channels called bile ducts into the gallbladder, where it's stored. Over time bile becomes more concentrated, which makes it more effective at digesting fats. The gallbladder releases bile into the digestive system when it's needed. The gallbladder is an organ that's useful, but not essential. It can safely be removed without interfering with your ability to digest food.

Page last reviewed: 04/08/2016 Cholecystitis - definition of cholecystitis by The Free Dictionary Cholecystitis - definition of cholecystitis by The Free Dictionary cho·le·cys·ti·tis (kō′lĭ-sĭ-stī′tĭs) (Pathology) inflammation of the gall bladder, due to bacterial infection or the presence of gallstones cho•le•cys•ti•tis (ˌkoʊ lə sɪˈstaɪ tɪs, ˌkɒl ə-) n. 1. cholecystitis - inflammation of the gall bladder inflammation , redness , rubor - a response of body tissues to injury or irritation; characterized by pain and swelling and redness and heat Translations cho·le·cys·ti·tis n. colecistitis, infl. de la vesícula biliar. cholecystitis n colecistitis f; acalculous — colecistitis alitiásica or acalculosa Want to thank TFD for its existence?

Tell a friend about us , add a link to this page, or visit the webmaster's page for free fun content . Link to this page: References in periodicals archive ? Serious adverse events included one hemorrhagic cyst in each group and a cholecystitis in the clomiphene group. No need to be galled by gallstones Currently, there is more emphasis on disease prevention, and laparoscopy is considered as a standard procedure to diagnose ovarian cancer, appendicitis, ectopic pregnancy, endometriosis, cholecystitis, and other pelvic inflammatory diseases. Copyright © 2003-2017 Farlex, Inc Disclaimer All content on this website, including dictionary, thesaurus, literature, geography, and other reference data is for informational purposes only. This information should not be considered complete, up to date, and is not intended to be used in place of a visit, consultation, or advice of a legal, medical, or any other professional. Cholecystitis | definition of cholecystitis by Medical dictionary Cholecystitis | definition of cholecystitis by Medical dictionary Definition Cholecystitis refers to a painful inflammation of the gallbladder's wall.

The disorder can occur a single time (acute), or can recur multiple times (chronic). Description The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ in the upper right hand corner of the abdomen. It is connected by a series of ducts (tube-like channels) to the liver, pancreas, and duodenum (first part of the small intestine). To aid in digestion, the liver produces a substance called bile, which is passed into the gallbladder. The gallbladder concentrates this bile, meaning that it reabsorbs some of the fluid from the bile to make it more potent. After a meal, bile is squeezed out of the gallbladder by strong muscular contractions, and passes through a duct into the duodenum. Due to the chemical makeup of bile, the contents of the duodenum are kept at an optimal pH level for digestion. The bile also plays an important part in allowing fats within the small intestine to be absorbed. Causes and symptoms In about 95% of all cases of cholecystitis, the gallbladder contains gallstones . Gallstones are solid accumulations of the components of bile, particularly cholesterol, bile pigments, and calcium.

These solids may occur when the components of bile are not in the correct proportion to each other. If the bile becomes overly concentrated, or if too much of one component is present, stones may form. When these stones block the duct leaving the gallbladder, bile accumulates within the gallbladder. The gallbladder continues to contract, but the bile cannot pass out of the gallbladder in the normal way. Back pressure on the gallbladder, chemical changes from the stagnating bile trapped within the gallbladder, and occasionally bacterial infection, result in damage to the gallbladder wall. As the gallbladder becomes swollen, some areas of the wall do not receive adequate blood flow, and lack of oxygen causes cells to die. When the stone blocks the flow of bile from the liver, certain normal byproducts of the liver's processing of red blood cells (called bilirubin) build up. The bilirubin is reabsorbed into the bloodstream, and over time this bilirubin is deposited in the skin and in the whites of the eyes. Because bilirubin contains a yellowish color, it causes a yellowish cast to the skin and eyes that is called jaundice .

Gallstone formation is seen in twice as many women as men, particularly those between the ages of 20 and 60. Pregnant women, or those on birth control pills or estrogen replacement therapy have a greater risk of gallstones, as do Native Americans and Mexican Americans. People who are overweight, or who lose a large amount of weight quickly are also at greater risk for developing gallstones. Not all individuals with gallstones will go on to have cholecystitis, since many people never have any symptoms from their gallstones and never know they exist. However, the vast majority of people with cholecystitis will be found to have gallstones. Rare causes of cholecystitis include severe burns or injury, massive systemic infection, severe illness, diabetes, obstruction by a tumor of the duct leaving the gallbladder, and certain uncommon infections of the gallbladder (including bacteria and worms). Although there are rare reports of patients with chronic cholecystitis who never experience any pain , nearly 100% of the time cholecystitis will be diagnosed after a patient has experienced a bout of severe pain in the region of the gallbladder and liver.

The pain may be crampy and episodic, or it may be constant. The pain is often described as pushing through to the right upper back and shoulder. Because deep breathing increases the pain, breathing becomes shallow. Fever is often present, and nausea and vomiting are nearly universal. Jaundice occurs when the duct leaving the liver is also obstructed, although it may take a number of days for it to become apparent. When bacterial infection sets in, the patient may begin to experience higher fever and shaking chills. Diagnosis Diagnosis of cholecystitis involves a careful abdominal examination. The enlarged, tender gallbladder may be felt through the abdominal wall. Pressure in the upper right corner of the abdomen may cause the patient to stop breathing in, due to an increase in pain. This is called Murphy's sign. Physical examination may also reveal an increased heart rate and an increased rate of breathing. Blood tests will show an increase in the white blood count , as well as an increase in bilirubin. Ultrasound is used to look for gallstones and to measure the thickness of the gallbladder wall (a marker of inflammation and scarring).

A scan of the liver and gallbladder, with careful attention to the system of ducts throughout (called the biliary tree) is also used to demonstrate obstruction of ducts. Rare complications of cholecystitis include: massive infection of the gallbladder, in which the gallbladder becomes filled with pus (called empyema) perforation of the gallbladder, in which the build-up of material within the gallbladder becomes so great that the wall of the organ bursts, with a resulting abdominal infection called peritonitis formation of abnormal connections between the gallbladder and other organs (the duodenum, large intestine, stomach), called fistulas obstruction of the intestine by a very large gallstone (called gallstone ileus) emphysema of the gallbladder, in which certain bacteria that produce gas infect the gallbladder, resulting in stretching of the gallbladder and disruption of its wall by gas. Treatment Initial treatment of cholecystitis usually requires hospitalization. The patient is given fluids, salts, and sugars through a needle placed in a vein (intravenous or IV).

No food or drink is given by mouth, and often a tube, called a nasogastric or NG tube, will need to be passed through the nose and down into the stomach to drain out the excess fluids. If infection is suspected, antibiotics are given. Ultimately, treatment almost always involves removal of the gallbladder, a surgery called cholecystectomy . While this is not usually recommended while the patient is acutely ill, patients with complications usually do require emergency surgery (immediately following diagnosis) because the death rate increases in these cases. Similarly, those patients who have cholecystitis with no gallstones have about a 50% chance of death if the gallbladder is not quickly removed. Most patients, however, do best if surgery is performed after they have been stabilized with fluids, an NG tube, and antibiotics as necessary. When this is possible, gallbladder removal is done within five to six days of diagnosis. In patients who have other serious medical problems that may increase the risks of gallbladder removal surgery, the surgeon may decide to leave the gallbladder in place. In this case, the operation may involve removing obstructing gallstones and draining infected bile (called cholecystotomy).

Both cholecystectomy and cholecystotomy may be performed via the classical open abdominal operation (laparotomy). Tiny, "keyhole" incisions, a flexible scope, and a laser device that shatters the stones (a laparoscopic laser) can be used to destroy the gallstones. The laparoscopic procedure can also be used to remove the gallbladder through one of the small incisions. Because of the smaller incisions, laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a procedure that is less painful and promotes faster healing. Prognosis Hospital management of cholecystitis ends the symptoms for about 75% of all patients. Of these patients, however, 25% will go on to have another attack of cholecystitis within a year, and 60% will have another attack within six years. Each attack of cholecystitis increases a patient's risk of developing life-threatening complications, requiring risky emergency surgery. Therefore, early removal of the gallbladder, rather than a "wait-and-see" approach, is usually recommended. Cure is complete in those patients who undergo cholecystectomy. Prevention Prevention of cholecystitis is probably best attempted by maintaining a reasonably ideal weight.

Some studies have suggested that eating a diet high in fiber, vegetables, and fruit is also protective. Resources Organizations [ko″le-sis-ti´tis] inflammation of the gallbladder , acute or chronic. Acute Cholecystitis. The most frequent cause of acute cholecystitis is gallstones. Other causes include typhoid fever and a malignant tumor obstructing the biliary tract. The inflammation may be secondary to a systemic sepsis. The symptoms of a mild inflammation may be very slight and include indigestion, moderate pain and tenderness in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen that is usually aggravated by deep breathing, malaise, and a low-grade fever. When gallstones or other disorders cause complete obstruction of the bile ducts, the symptoms are much more extreme. The pain becomes unbearable, the temperature may rise to 40°C (104°F), and there is nausea and vomiting. Treatment of acute cholecystitis may entail either cholecystectomy or cholecystostomy. In some cases the surgery may be postponed until the attack subsides. Chronic Cholecystitis.

Chronic cholecystitis progresses more slowly than acute cholecystitis, but it also is usually the result of gallstones or other conditions that lead to obstruction of the bile ducts and impaired gallbladder function. It is the most common disorder of the gallbladder. The characteristic symptom of chronic cholecystitis is indigestion manifested by discomfort after eating, with flatulence and nausea. If the meal has been larger than usual, or high in fat content, the symptoms are more pronounced and there is eructation (belching) and regurgitation. There may also be vomiting and some pain in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen. It is not unusual for patients to suffer repeated episodes before seeking medical attention. Neglect of the situation may lead to permanent damage to the gallbladder and liver. Diagnosis of cholecystitis is aided by the use of ultrasonography to visualize an enlarged, inflamed gallbladder and detect the presence of gallstones. Radionuclide scanning is the most reliable diagnostic test for cholecystitis. The preferred treatment of chronic cholecystitis with gallstones is cholecystectomy.

If surgery is contraindicated for some reason, then the symptoms may be controlled to some extent by low-fat diet, restriction of alcohol intake, and spacing of meals so that large amounts of food are avoided and there is not a long interval between meals. emphysematous cholecystitis that due to gas-producing organisms, marked by gas in the gallbladder lumen, often infiltrating into the gallbladder wall and surrounding tissues. cho·le·cys·ti·tis (kō'lē-sis-tī'tis), [chole- + G. kystis, bladder, + -itis, inflammation] cholecystitis /cho·le·cys·ti·tis/ (-sis-ti´tis) inflammation of the gallbladder. emphysematous cholecystitis that due to gas-producing organisms, marked by gas in the gallbladder lumen, often infiltrating into the gallbladder wall and surrounding tissues. cholecystitis Chronic cholecystitis Classically occurs in overweight child-bearing women over age forty; cholecystitis is also associated with oral contraceptives and heredity.

Some patients are asymptomatic; otherwise the symptoms of acute inflammation wax and wane. Bilirubin or cholesterol stones by ultrasound, plain films, CT. Conservative therapy to dissolve stones. cholecystitis GI disease Inflammation of the gallbladder. See Acalculous cholecystitis , Acute cholecystitis, Chronic cholecystitis , Emphysematous cholecystitis.

Cholecystitis Acute Clinical Right upper quadrant pain, variable severity, sudden onset, rigidity and rebound tenderness with peritonitis, N&V, constipation, fever, slow pulse, Murphy sign, spontaneous remission is not uncommon Imaging Stones by ultrasound, plain films, CT Management Cholecystectomy Chronic 'Classically' occurs in the '4 F' group–female, fat, fertile, and forty; cholecystitis is also associated with oral contraceptives and heredity Clinical Some Pts are asymptomatic; otherwise the symptoms of acute inflammation wax and wane Imaging Bilirubin or cholesterol stones by ultrasound, plain films, CT Management Conservative therapy to dissolve stones cho·le·cys·ti·tis (kō'lĕ-sis-tī'tis) [chole- + G. kystis, bladder, + -itis, inflammation] cholecystitis Inflammation of the gall bladder. This common condition is nearly always associated with obstruction to the outflow from the gall bladder, usually by a gallstone but sometimes by thickened mucus or a worm or, rarely, by cancer.

There is severe pain under the right lower ribs, fever, shivering, restlessness, pallor, vomiting and sweating. JAUNDICE may occur. Treatment is with antibiotics, bed rest, pain relief and fluids followed by surgical removal of the gall bladder. cholecystitis (kō·lē·sis·tīˑ·tis), n condition marked by chronic or acute gallbladder inflammation. cholecystitis inflammation of the gallbladder . Gallbladder: Function, Problems & Healthy Diet Gallbladder: Function, Problems & Healthy Diet By Jessie Szalay, Live Science Contributor | May 5, 2016 01:15pm ET MORE The gallbladder, shown in red, lies beneath the liver within the torso. Credit: Sebastian Kaulitzki | Dreamstime The gallbladder is an organ that is part of the human biliary system, which is involved with the production, storage and transportation of bile. Bile is a yellowish-brown fluid produced by the liver and used to break up and digest fatty foods in the small intestine.

The gallbladder is not absolutely necessary for human survival, as bile can reach the small intestine in other ways, according to Britain’s National Health Service . Some problems associated with the gallbladder are gallstones, gallbladder attack and gallbladder disease. Gallbladder pain is usually caused by biliary colic, gallstones, cholecystitis, pancreatitis and cholangitis, according to MedicineNet . Gallstones Gallstones are solidified particles of substances in the bile. They are made of a “combination of bile salts, cholesterol and bilirubin,” said Jordan Knowlton, an advanced registered nurse practitioner at the University of Florida Health Shands Hospital. Gallstones can be as small as a grain of sand or as large as a golf ball, according to The Oregon Clinic . “Gallstones can be painful, and cause obstruction,” Knowlton said.

“Depending on where the obstruction is, [it] causes a variety of problems: gallbladder obstruction (cholecystitis), biliary tree obstruction (jaundice) and pancreatic duct obstruction (pancreatitis).” Gallstones can block the gallbladder ducts so that bile cannot reach the small intestine as effectively, which may prevent the gallbladder from doing its job and can lead to other gallbladder diseases. Gallstones can range in size from a grain of sand to a golf ball. Credit: Roblan shutterstock Knowlton explained that while most gallstones pass on their own, some require a minor procedure or even surgery. “Diagnosis can be made by labs, ultrasound, or Hida scan,” she said. According to the Mayo Clinic , factors that contribute to the risk of gallstones include obesity, high-fat or high-cholesterol diets, diabetes and taking medicines with estrogen. Women, people over 60, Native Americans and Mexican-Americans are also at a higher level of risk. Gallbladder attack Gallstones can cause sudden pain that is called a gallbladder attack, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Gallbladder attacks are usually the result of the gallstone blocking the bile ducts, thereby increasing pressure in the gallbladder. They usually occur soon after eating, especially heavy meals. According to the NIH, they can last from one to several hours or, according to the Mayo Clinic , as little as several minutes. The University of Maryland Medical Center lists the following as symptoms of a gallbladder attack: nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and pain primarily in the upper right side of the abdomen. Pain may be acute or dull, and may be accompanied by jaundice. The University of California San Francisco Department of Surgery pointed out that the symptoms of a gallbladder attack may be similar to those of a heart attack and other conditions, so it is important to consult a doctor for a correct diagnosis. Gallbladder disease There are several types of gallbladder disease: Cholecystitis is the most common type of gallbladder disease, and often what medical professionals associate with the phrase. Knowlton described it as “inflammation of the gallbladder.” It is caused by gallstones obstructing the ducts to the small intestine.

In addition to upper right abdominal pain, Knowlton said, cholecystitis carries with it a variety of symptoms, “including fever, positive Murphy’s sign [pain when the abdominal area is examined], nausea and vomiting.” She said, “treatment depends on the severity of the symptoms ... this can often be managed by rest and antibiotics, but for severe cases, surgery is the definitive treatment.” According to the NIH , after several attacks of pain, chronic cholecystitis may occur. This involves the gallbladder shrinking and losing its function. “Those prone to gallbladder disease usually fall into the “5 F's”: fair, fat, 40, female, and flatulent!” said Knowlton. Choledocholithiasis is the “presence of at least one gallstone in the common bile duct,” according to Penn Medicine . It can block the flow of bile and cause the gallbladder to become inflamed or distended. Acalculous gallbladder disease occurs without the presence of gallstones, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center . It happens when the gallbladder muscles or valve are not working correctly, and is often found in patients who are suffering from other serious disorders.

Cholangitis is inflammation in the common bile duct. According to the Medical University of South Carolina’s Digestive Disease Center , the most common cause is gallstones becoming lodged in the bile duct, though the condition can also be caused by bacterial infections, blockages caused by medical procedures, and tumors. Gallbladder cancer is relatively rare, according to the Mayo Clinic . It can be difficult to diagnose because its symptoms are similar to other gallbladder ailments (nausea, vomiting, jaundice, fever). Gallbladder polyps are lesions or growths in the gallbladder that are usually harmless and carry no symptoms, according to Healthline. The University of Southern California Center for Pancreatic and Biliary Diseases , however, warns that they can occasionally be a risk factor for gallbladder cancer. Gangrene results from inadequate blood flow and can develop in the gallbladder if acute cholecystitis is left untreated. The NIH lists the following symptoms: confusion, fever, gas in tissues under the skin, feeling ill, low blood pressure and persistent pain. Abscesses occur when the gallbladder becomes inflamed with pus.

Like gangrene, it can occur as a complication of acute cholecystitis, according to The New York Times . Gallbladder surgery and removal According to the Mayo Clinic , when dealing with gallstones, doctors often recommend removing the gallbladder through surgery. If the problem does not involve gallstones, antibiotics are often the first treatment. But if the problem persists, the gallbladder will often be surgically removed. The most common and least invasive method of gallbladder removal is laparoscopic surgery. The NIH explained that in this procedure, the surgeon makes three or four small holes in the belly, inserts a laparoscope — a long tube with a camera — and then removes the gallbladder with tiny surgical tools. If laparoscopic surgery cannot be performed, the doctor may remove the gallbladder through open abdominal surgery, according to the NIH . Both forms of surgery are done under general anesthesia. Diet for a healthy gallbladder Maintaining a healthy diet and weight go a long way in keeping the gallbladder healthy. “You should eat a well-balanced diet with fruits, veggies, lean meats and fiber,” advised Knowlton.

According to New Health Guide , foods that are particularly good for the gallbladder are: Fresh, fiber-rich fruits and vegetables: Some great ones are avocados, cranberries, berries, grapes, cucumbers and beets. Broccoli, bell peppers and oranges are high in fiber and vitamin C, which if lacking can contribute to gallstones. Pectin-rich fruits — such as apples, strawberries and citrus — can also help, according to RawPeople.com . Radishes are a terrific option because they increase bile flow, but those already suffering from gallbladder problems shouldn’t eat too many of them. Lean meat, fish and poultry: The least fatty cuts are loins or "rounds," according to New Health Guide. Any type of fish, pork, lamb and skinless chicken are also good choices. Whole grains: These include oats, bran cereal and brown rice. Try breads and cereals that contain whole, various grains and high amounts of fiber. Low-fat dairy: Pay attention to the fat content in any type of dairy food. Caffeinated coffee and alcohol: Studies have actually shown that moderate amounts (typically two drinks per day) of alcohol or caffeine from coffee may reduce the risk of gallstones.

Caffeine from sources other than coffee, such as tea and soda, has not been shown to have a beneficial effect. Plenty of water: RawPeople.com advises this one, pointing out that hydration is essential for maintaining the proper amount of water in the bile. Nuts: The jury is still out on nuts. According to Everyday Health , some studies have shown that eating peanuts or tree nuts such as almonds and walnuts can help prevent gallstones, but it is important not to eat too many because nuts are high in fat. Keeping away from certain foods can help, too. “Avoid fatty, fried foods, and limit alcohol!” cautioned Knowlton. According to New Health Guide, some other foods to steer clear of are: Sweeteners, sugar, and refined carbohydrates: This includes high-fructose corn syrup and refined sugars, like those found in cookies, soda and snack foods. Frozen or canned fruits and vegetables: They may have additives that make it harder for the gallbladder to do its work. White flour foods: This includes white bread, pasta and many desserts. Processed snacks: Potato chips, cookies, pies — almost any packaged snack are bad for your body.

High-fat foods: Fried food, fatty cuts of meat, whole-milk dairy products and foods that are highly processed should be avoided. Very low-calorie diets: This generally means eating less than 1,000 calories a day. These diets can increase gallstone formation. Editor’s Note: If you’d like more information on this topic, we recommend the following book: Cholecystitis - Mayo Clinic Cholecystitis Gallbladder and bile duct Cholecystitis (ko-luh-sis-TIE-tis) is inflammation of the gallbladder. Your gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ on the right side of your abdomen, beneath your liver. The gallbladder holds a digestive fluid that's released into your small intestine (bile). In most cases, gallstones blocking the tube leading out of your gallbladder cause cholecystitis. This results in a bile buildup that can cause inflammation. Other causes of cholecystitis include bile duct problems and tumors. If left untreated, cholecystitis can lead to serious, sometimes life-threatening complications, such as a gallbladder rupture. Treatment for cholecystitis often involves gallbladder removal. Zakko SF, et al.

Acute cholecystitis: Pathogenesis, clinical features and diagnosis. Accessed July 1, 2014. Vollmer CM, et al. Treatment of acute calculous cholecystitis. Accessed July 1, 2014. Acute cholecystitis: Gallbladder and bile duct disease. The Merck Manual for Health Care Professionals. 2011. Accessed July 2, 2014. Gallstones. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Accessed July 1, 2014. Malladi P, et al. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Accessed July 2, 2014. Products and Services

Question: In humans, cholecystitis is the inflammation of which part of the body?
Answer: Gall bladder