Sometimes, we experience unexplained pains; these pains serve as an alert to an underlying problem, so we should never ignore them. In this article, we will discuss a common, but often overlooked, disease: gallbladder inflammation, aka cholecystitis. Let us start with explaining what the gallbladder is.
The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ located beneath the liver on the right side of the abdomen. Its primary function is to store bile produced by the liver and concentrate it. Bile is a dark green liquid composed of salts, cholesterol, fats, and pigments. Bile aids in the digestion of fats; after a fatty meal, the gallbladder releases bile, which travels through the bile ducts to the upper part of the small intestine.
Gallstones are the most common cause of cholecystitis. When bile becomes trapped in the gallbladder due to an obstruction, it solidifies into small, hard stones. These stones block the tube leading to the small intestine, causing inflammation in the gallbladder. Other causes of cholecystitis include liver and pancreatic tumors that obstruct the bile duct, insufficient blood supply to the gallbladder, as well as bacterial or viral infections that can damage the bile drainage system, causing bile to return into the gallbladder.
While the symptoms of cholecystitis can overlap with that of other conditions, a common and distinctive symptom is intense pain in the upper right part of the abdomen, the back, or the right shoulder blade. Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms of cholecystitis, usually occurring after consuming a large or fatty meal. Other symptoms include: fever, bloating, and yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice). Symptoms worsen after consuming a high-fat meal, often accompanied by severe pain that makes it difficult to rest or sit still.
Cholecystitis risk factors include: being over the age of 50, pregnancy, consuming a diet high in fat or cholesterol, or having certain medical conditions such as diabetes, end-stage kidney disease, heart disease, or obesity. Diagnosis relies on simple laboratory tests, such as a Complete Blood Count (CBC) and liver function test. It can also be done through undergoing an abdominal ultrasound to detect gallstones or other abnormalities.
To treat this condition, it is recommended to allow the gallbladder to rest through keeping the stomach empty for a while, eat a low-fat diet, and take medications as prescribed by your doctor, including pain relievers, antibiotics, or medications to dissolve gallstones. If medications are not effective, doctors would recommend performing a surgery to remove the gallbladder, known as cholecystectomy.
You can live a healthy life after a cholecystectomy through following some recommendations, such as consuming foods low in fat and high in protein, low-fat dairy products, fruits and vegetables, as well as limiting your intake of coffee, tea, and spicy foods. You can also eat smaller meals more often; i.e. 4–6 times a day instead of 3.
To prevent gallbladder inflammation, you should adopt healthy habits such as lowering cholesterol levels, regular exercising, maintaining a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats such as eggs, soy, and peanuts, as well as losing weight gradually and healthily if you are obese.
To conclude, a balanced and healthy diet is the gateway to good health and disease prevention; it serves as our body's primary defense shield. Therefore, it is important to consume a healthy diet to to stay fit and healthy.
References
webmd.com/digestive-disorders/what-is-cholecystitis
webmd.com/digestive-disorders/what-to-know-gallbladder-polyps
webmd.com/digestive-disorders/ss/slideshow-gallbladder-overview
mayoclinic.org
healthline.com
bangkokhospital.com
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