The main symptoms of cholecystitis in women include right upper quadrant pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever. Treatment depends on the specific condition and may involve medication or surgery. Cholecystitis is an inflammation of the gallbladder, and common causes include gallstones, infection, and cholestasis. Acute cholecystitis presents with severe right upper quadrant pain, which may radiate to the shoulder and back, accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and fever; chronic cholecystitis has milder symptoms but may recur. Diagnosis of cholecystitis usually requires a combination of symptoms, physical examination, and imaging studies, such as ultrasound or CT scans.
1. Right upper quadrant pain is the most common symptom of cholecystitis. The pain is usually located in the right upper quadrant and may radiate to the shoulder and back, especially worsening after eating fatty foods. Acute cholecystitis is characterized by severe pain lasting for several hours; chronic cholecystitis is less painful but may recur. It is recommended to avoid high-fat diets to reduce the burden on the gallbladder, and if necessary, take painkillers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
2. Nausea and vomiting are common accompanying symptoms of cholecystitis, especially during acute attacks. Vomiting may be related to vagus nerve stimulation caused by gallbladder inflammation, or it may be caused by pain. It is recommended to eat small, frequent meals and avoid eating too much at once. If necessary, use antiemetics such as metoclopramide or domperidone.
3. Fever is a common symptom of cholecystitis infection; body temperature may rise above 38°C, accompanied by chills and fatigue. Fever suggests a possible bacterial infection and requires prompt medical attention. Treatment includes antibiotics such as cephalosporins or quinolones, and, if necessary, gallbladder drainage or surgical removal.
4. Gallstones are a major cause of cholecystitis. Stones obstruct the cystic duct, leading to bile stasis and inflammation. Gallstone formation is associated with high-cholesterol diets, obesity, and rapid weight loss. It is recommended to control weight, avoid high-fat and high-cholesterol diets, and, if necessary, take litholytic drugs such as ursodeoxycholic acid.
5. Infection is another important cause of cholecystitis. Bacteria ascend through the bile ducts to infect the gallbladder. Common pathogens include Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Infectious cholecystitis requires timely treatment with antibiotics, such as ceftriaxone or levofloxacin. Gallbladder drainage or surgery may be necessary in some cases.
6. Cholestasis is a common cause of cholecystitis. Impaired bile drainage leads to increased pressure within the gallbladder, triggering inflammation. Cholestasis may be related to biliary obstruction or abnormal gallbladder function. It is recommended to drink plenty of water to promote bile drainage, and if necessary, take choleretic drugs such as choleretic tablets or anti-inflammatory choleretic tablets.
The symptoms and treatment of cholecystitis in women depend on the specific condition. Early diagnosis and treatment can effectively alleviate symptoms and prevent complications. It is recommended that women have regular checkups, pay attention to gallbladder health, and seek medical attention promptly if symptoms appear to avoid delaying treatment.