What is the difference between cholecystitis and gallstones?

Cholelithiasis occurs when gallstones develop. If these gallstones block the bile duct from the gallbladder to the small intestine, bile can build up in the gallbladder and cause inflammation. This inflammation is called cholecystitis.

What are the risks factors and signs of cholecystitis?

It is known that cholecystitis is often caused by obstruction of the cystic duct. Known risk factors for gallbladder stones include old age, female gender, obesity, multiparity, family history, rapid weight loss, physical inactivity, dietary habit, oral contraceptives and others.

What is the most common complication of acute cholecystitis?

Untreated cholecystitis can cause tissue in the gallbladder to die (gangrene). It’s the most common complication, especially among older people, those who wait to get treatment, and those with diabetes. This can lead to a tear in the gallbladder, or it may cause your gallbladder to burst.

What is the onset 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 tummy is usually very tender, and breathing deeply can make the pain worse.

What is the most common cause of cholecystitis?

What causes cholecystitis? Cholecystitis happens when a digestive juice called bile gets trapped in your gallbladder. In most cases, this happens because lumps of solid material (gallstones) are blocking a tube that drains bile from the gallbladder. When gallstones block this tube, bile builds up in your gallbladder.

How do you confirm cholecystitis?

Abdominal ultrasound, endoscopic ultrasound, or a computerized tomography (CT) scan can be used to create pictures of your gallbladder that may reveal signs of cholecystitis or stones in the bile ducts and gallbladder. A scan that shows the movement of bile through your body.

Can cholecystitis resolve itself?

An episode of acute cholecystitis usually clears within a week. If it does not go away, it may be a sign of something more serious. Cholecystitis often results from gallstones, but it can stem from other conditions.