Cholecystitis, or gallbladder inflammation, can be caused by different factors, but in most cases, gallstones are considered responsible for this condition.
What Are Gallstones?
Gallstones are composed of cholesterol, salts and some pigments. There are several types of gallstones: mixed stones, pigment stones and cholesterol stones. Some gallstones are very small and they are barely visible. Such stones do not show any symptoms, which is why they are called “the silent stones”. When the stones become larger, they will start causing problems.
The most common symptoms of gallstones include:
● Heartburn
● Belching
● Bloating
● Abdominal pain
● Jaundice
● Indigestion
● Nausea
● Vomiting
● Diarrhea
Gallstones can trigger other problems, besides gallbladder inflammation. If you experience any symptoms mentioned above, visit your doctor.
Gallbladder Inflammation
As we said, this condition is usually related to gallstones. It can be acute or chronic.
Acute inflammation of the gallbladder starts suddenly, and it is usually accompanied by intense pain.
Chronic inflammation of the gallbladder is a long-term problem. The intensity is usually lower, compared to acute inflammation of the gallbladder.
The stones can get stuck in the bile duct and lead to accumulation of bile inside the gallbladder. When this happens, gallbladder can get severely inflamed. Chronic inflammation of the gallbladder occurs due to recurring cholecystitis. The walls of the gallbladder will get damaged, which can increase the risk of other problems. In rare cases, gallbladder tumors can cause the inflammation of the gallbladder.
The Symptoms of Gallbladder Inflammation
This condition is characterized by abdominal pain, located on the right side of the upper abdomen. The pain is intense and sharp, and it can spread to the right shoulder. Other symptoms may include:
● Mild fever
● Chills
● Indigestion
● Heartburn
● Nausea
● Vomiting
Bile duct inflammation is also possible, and it is characterized by symptoms like:
● Fever
● Jaundice
● Abdominal pain
As you can see, the symptoms are quite similar to those of other gallbladder disorders. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to visit your doctor to see what is wrong with your digestive system. If diagnosed early, most gallbladder disorders can be treated with medications and remedies. On the other hand, if left untreated, these problems may require gallbladder surgery.
Gallbladder inflammation can be treated with home remedies and prescription medications. The treatment will depend on your condition, and it will be prescribed by your doctor. Do not use any medications on your own.