- When the gallbladder becomes inflamed due to the presence of gallstones or other causes known as Acute cholecystitis.
- Symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever.
- The pain is usually felt in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen and may radiate to the back or right shoulder.
- The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ located under the liver that stores bile, a substance that helps in the digestion of fats.
Causes of Acute cholecystitis
- Presence of gallstones in the gallbladder or the bile ducts.
- Blockage of the bile ducts can cause acute cholecystitis.
- Bacterial infection of the gallbladder.
- Reduced blood supply to the gallbladder, also known as ischemia, can cause acute cholecystitis.
- An accident or a fall, can cause acute cholecystitis.
- Due to other medical conditions such as pancreatitis or liver disease.
Symptoms of Acute cholecystitis
- Severe abdominal pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever and chills
- Abdominal tenderness and swelling
- Loss of appetite
- Jaundice
Diagnostic tests for Acute cholecystitis :
- Murphy’s sign
- Ultrasound
- CT Scan
- Complete Blood Count (CBC)
- HIDA Scan
- Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
- Cholecystogram
- Amylase and Lipase
- Liver Function Tests (LFTs)
Treatment option for cholecystitis
- Pain medications: Acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). In more severe cases, opioids may be required.
- ERCP (Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography): In some cases, an ERCP may be performed to remove gallstones that have migrated into the common bile duct.
- Cholecystectomy: The definitive treatment for acute cholecystitis is the removal of the gallbladder. This can be done laparoscopically or through an open surgery.
- Antispasmodics: Antispasmodics such as dicyclomine and hyoscyamine may be used to relieve the spasms.
- Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs): PPIs such as omeprazole and pantoprazole are commonly used to treat symptoms such as acid reflux and other gastrointestinal conditions.
Food avoided
- Avoid Eating fatty or greasy food.
- Avoid Eating large meals can put extra strain on the gallbladder and worsen symptoms.
- Avoid Taking over-the-counter painkillers: Painkillers such as ibuprofen and aspirin can worsen the symptoms. If pain relief is needed, your doctor may prescribe appropriate medication.
- Avoid alcohol.
commonly asked questions
Q.1. What is cholecystitis. ?
A. 2. Cholecystitis is an inflammation of the gallbladder.
Q.2.what is acute and chronic cholecystitis. ?
A. 2. Acute cholecystitis is a sudden and severe inflammation of the gallbladder.
Chronic cholecystitis is a long-term, ongoing inflammation of the gallbladder.
Q. 3 What is the recommended dietary treatment for a client with chronic cholecystitis?
A.3. Follow a low-fat diet. Avoid fried foods, fatty meats, and heavy dairy. Eat fruits, veggies, lean proteins, and whole grains. Stay hydrated and do not consume alcohol.
Q. 4. What is the calculus of gallbladder without cholecystitis without obstruction?
A.4. Means there are gallstones in the gallbladder, but they are not causing inflammation or blocking the flow of bile.
Q.5. Cholecystitis clinical findings?
A.5. Local signs – 1. Severe, steady, and often radiating pain in the right upper quadrant (RUQ) of the abdomen, 2. Murphy’s sign is positive, 3. Fiver.
Laboratory Findings: 1. Elevated white blood cell count (leukocytosis), 2. Elevated levels of C-reactive protein (CRP).
Q.6 Where is the patient likely to feel referred pain in cholecystitis?
A.6. Pain located in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen, just beneath the liver.
Q.7 What is the ICD 10 code for cholecystitis?
K81 The ICD-10 code for cholecystitis.
Q.7 What is the ICD 10 code for acute cholecystitis?
K81.0 ICD-10 code for acute cholecystitis.
Q.7 What is the ICD 10 code for chronic cholecystitis?
K81.1 ICD-10 code for chronic cholecystitis.
Q.8. What are the risk factors for cholecystitis?
Ans. –
- over-weight.
- High-fat diets.
- Diabetes and liver diseases.
- gallstones.