A cholecystitis is a gallbladder infection often associated with gallbladder stones. Other causes may include problems with the bile duct and tumors.
The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ beneath your liver on your right side holding bile which is a digestive fluid that's released into your small intestine. Gallbladder disease is the second most common abdominal emergency during pregnancy.
Cholecystitis signs and symptoms often occur after a meal, particularly a large or fatty meal and may include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Severe pain in your upper right abdomen
- Pain that radiates from to your right shoulder or back
- Tenderness over your abdomen when it's touched
- Fever
Cholecystitis need to be treated as soon as the diagnosis has been made because untreated cholecystitis can lead to serious, sometimes life-threatening complications
In pregnancy, the diagnosis of cholecystitis is a little more difficult but if symptoms are typical and you get examined fast then the diagnosis can be made quickly.
Initial treatment for cholecystitis in pregnancy often involves antibiotics, but removal of the gallbladder is usually necessary especially if gallstones are present.