Do I Have Cholecystitis?

Do you have a sudden pain in the upper abdomen on your right-hand side or center of your abdomen (pain may feel sharp or dull)?

Do you have persistent pain that last longer than 5 hours?

Do you have pain that spreads towards your right shoulder or back?

Do you feel that your pain is getting stronger after taking a deep breath?

Does your pain persist and after you have taken painkillers, changed your body position, or released gas?

Does the abdominal pain often occur after a meal, particularly a large or fatty one?

Do you have nausea and vomiting?

Do you feel tenderness over your abdomen when it's touched?

Do you have fever of 38C or above?

Do you have a rapid heartbeat?

Do you have yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice)?

Based on your answers it is unlikely that you have cholecystitis. Cholecystitis is inflammation of the gallbladder, a small organ located beneath your liver on the right side of your abdomen. The gallbladder stores and concentrates bile, releasing it to the digestive system when needed. A variety of disorders can cause the upper abdominal pain, so please make an appointment whit your doctor for further analysis. It is always a good idea to take preventative measures to reduce your risk of cholecystitis, such as weight control by eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly.

Based on your answers there is a possibility that you have cholecystitis. Cholecystitis is inflammation of the gallbladder, a pear shaped organ on the right side of your abdomen, underneath your liver. The gallbladder store and concentrate bile and releases it into your small intestine. Cholecystitis usually occurs when gallstone block the tube leading from your gallbladder (cystic duct), causing bile to accumulate leading to inflammation. If this condition continues over time and problems with gallbladder function recur, then it is called chronic cholecystitis. Cholecystitis can cause a number of serious complications so please consult your gastroenterologist for diagnosis and treatment.