The gallbladder is a pear-shaped organ located near the liver in the right side of the abdomen. Its function is to store and release bile. Bile is needed for fat digestion in the digestive system. Gallbladder inflammation, also known as cholecystitis, is in 90% of the cases due to gallstones. Gallstones are common in the US, affecting about 20% of the population. Around one-third of them will develop gallbladder inflammation. What are the features of gallbladder inflammation? Learn more about the symptoms and complications of gallbladder inflammation.

MNT’s article clarifies the characteristics of the disease. Risk factors of gallbladder inflammation include increasing age, female sex, pregnancy, obesity, a history of gallstones and rapid weight loss.

Pain located in the upper right part of the abdomen that radiates to the right shoulder is the most common symptom. In the first stage, pain can be described as colic. When inflammation remains, the pain will have a constant and more severe character. Other symptoms associated with gallbladder inflammation include fever, malaise, lack of appetite, and weakness. In children and elderly, symptoms may be indefinite.

Potential life-threatening complications can occur due to rupture of an inflamed gallbladder. In cases of rupture, progress to sepsis is possible. To avoid complications, medical attention is needed. Treatment usually includes removal of the gallbladder, a procedure called laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

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