Abdominal pain is a common complaint, and almost everyone experiences it at some point. From a mild stomach ache to intense cramping, the causes are incredibly varied, ranging from simple indigestion to more serious conditions. However, when abdominal pain becomes persistent or severe, especially in specific areas, it can signal something more serious like cholecystitis.
This blog aims to educate you about cholecystitis (gallbladder inflammation). We’ll cover cholecystitis symptoms, causes of cholecystitis, and the critical importance of seeking timely medical evaluation. Understanding what might be behind your discomfort is the first step toward getting the right care.
What is Cholecystitis?
Cholecystitis is the medical term for inflammation of the gallbladder. The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ located just beneath your liver on the upper right side of your abdomen. Its primary function is to store and concentrate bile, a digestive fluid produced by the liver. When you eat, the gallbladder releases this bile into the small intestine to help break down fats.
Causes of Cholecystitis
Cholecystitis typically occurs when the flow of bile from the gallbladder is blocked, leading to a buildup of bile and subsequent inflammation. While several factors can contribute to this, the most common causes of cholecystitis include:
- Gallstones : These are hardened deposits of digestive fluid that can build up and block the cystic duct (the tube through which bile leaves the gallbladder), leading to bile buildup and inflammation.
- Tumour: In rare cases, a tumour in the gallbladder or bile ducts can block bile flow, leading to cholecystitis.
- Bile duct blockage: This can occur due to various reasons beyond gallstones or tumours, such as:
- Biliary stricture: A narrowing of the bile ducts
- Biliary dyskinesia: A disorder affecting the movement of bile through the ducts.
- Bile stasis: Sluggish or stagnant bile flow.
- Infection: Bacterial infections can sometimes lead to gallbladder inflammation, often in conjunction with a blockage.
- Ischemia: Reduced blood flow to the gallbladder, which can occur in critically ill patients, can also lead to inflammation.
Key Symptoms of Cholecystitis
Cholecystitis symptoms can vary, but they often include distinct types of pain and other warning signs that you shouldn’t ignore.
Dominant Cholecystitis Symptoms You Shouldn't Ignore
The most common tell-tale symptoms of cholecystitis include:
- Severe and often sudden pain in the upper right or center of the abdomen.
- Pain that may radiate to the right shoulder or back.
- Tenderness when the abdomen is touched, especially in the upper right quadrant.
- Nausea and/or vomiting.
- Fever, sometimes accompanied by chills.
Less common but serious signs that might indicate a severe infection or blockage include jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), dark urine, or pale stools.
If you think you might be experiencing symptoms of cholecystitis, it is always recommended to consult with a medical professional or a hepatobiliary specialist who can accurately diagnose your condition and guide you on the appropriate next steps.
Abdominal Pain: Could It Be Cholecystitis or Something Else?
There are many causes of abdominal pain, and not all abdominal pain indicates cholecystitis. These are some common sources of abdomen pain that are often mistaken for or need to be differentiated from cholecystitis:
- Indigestion: Often characterised by a burning sensation in the upper abdomen, bloating, and gas.
- Gastritis: Inflammation of the stomach lining, leading to burning pain in the upper abdomen, nausea, and vomiting.
- Pancreatitis : Inflammation of the pancreas, which can cause severe pain in the upper abdomen that radiates to the back.
- Appendicitis: Inflammation of the appendix, typically causing pain that starts around the navel and shifts to the lower right abdomen.
- Kidney stones: Can cause sharp pain in the back and side, radiating to the lower abdomen and groin.
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): A chronic condition causing abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, and changes in bowel habits.
What Type of Abdominal Pain is Characteristic of Cholecystitis?
Cholecystitis pain is often described as sharp, cramping, or a constant dull ache. It typically lasts for several hours and can be incredibly intense. A key characteristic is that the pain may worsen after eating a fatty meal, as this stimulates the gallbladder to contract, potentially aggravating the inflammation or blockage.
This type of pain differs from general abdomen pains in its specific location (upper right or center abdomen), its intensity, and its prolonged nature. General indigestion or gastritis pain might be more widespread, less severe, and often resolves more quickly.
When to See a Doctor for Abdominal Pain
If you are experiencing abdominal pain, it’s always best to consult a healthcare professional who can diagnose the cause and determine if it is cholecystitis.
You should seek immediate medical attention (e.g., going to an emergency department) if you experience:
- Abdominal pain so severe that you cannot sit still or find a comfortable position.
- Pain that is persistent and doesn't resolve within a few hours.
- High fever accompanied by chills.
- Persistent nausea and vomiting that prevents keeping fluids down.
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice).
Don't Ignore Persistent Abdominal Pain
Abdominal pain, particularly if severe or accompanied by other cholecystitis symptoms, should never be ignored. Cholecystitis is a treatable condition, and early diagnosis and management is crucial to preventing complications such as a ruptured gallbladder, infection, or pancreatitis.
If you are experiencing troubling abdominal pain or other symptoms discussed in this article, schedule a consultation with hepatobiliary specialist Dr. Thng YongXian today for an accurate diagnosis and to discuss your gallbladder inflammation treatment options in Singapore.