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Kansas City's Premiere Digestive Health Specialists
Request An Appointment
816-836-2200
Kansas City's Premiere Digestive Health Specialists
Gall Bladder Inflammation, also called Cholecystitis can cause severe pain in the abdomen. The gall bladder is the organ that aids in digestion by releasing fluid (bile) into the small intestine.
Gall bladder inflammation is caused by a blockage in the bile duct. The bile duct is the tube that connects the gall bladder and the small intestine. The number one reason for gall bladder inflammation to occur is gallstones. Gallstones are hard lumps that form out of chemicals produced in the gall bladder. Gallstones can be as small as the eye of a needle or as big as a large grape. When gallstones form they block the bile duct, triggering gall bladder inflammation
When blockage happens in the bile duct the bile that is produced in the gall bladder is not able to be pushed through into the small intestine. The back up of bile causes the gall bladder to become irritated and inflamed. Gall bladder inflammation can be a very serious problem if not handled promptly.
Gall bladder inflammation symptoms are more likely to show up after eating a large meal or a meal that is greasy and higher in fat.
The most common sign that the gall bladder is acting up is pain on the right side of the abdomen. This pain might be felt when breathing in deeply or moving around and may last as long as few hours or just a few minutes. Flu-like symptoms such as fever, vomiting and chills may also be present. Some people with gall bladder inflammation experience a sharp pain that moves from the right side of the abdomen all the way to the right side of the back.
The gall bladder is located on the right side of the body underneath the liver. In severe cases of gall bladder inflammation the gall bladder may be removed surgically to keep it from erupting. In these cases bile then comes from the liver.
Gall bladder inflammation can be treated before it gets to the severe stages. In some cases gall stones can be removed with the help of medication. To screen for gall bladder inflammation, an endoscopy can also be done to examine the gall bladder and also remove gallstones.
If gall bladder inflammation is not treated promptly or properly the risk for hospitalization and gall bladder removal is heightened.
You should call a doctor if you are experiencing any symptoms of gall bladder inflammation, especially server pain in your abdomen. If the pain is making it very uncomfortable to sit or lay down, you need to seek immediate medical attention.
People who suffer from chronic gallstones are at the greatest risk for gall bladder inflammation. If you suffer from gallstones, we recommended medication to keep them under control and avoid the risk of gall bladder inflammation.
Women are more likely than men to have gall bladder inflammation. The elderly are also at greater risk.
