Many individuals experience abdominal discomfort following periods of rich indulgence, such as holidays. While often dismissed as simple indigestion, persistent or severe pain, particularly in the upper right abdomen, could signal a more serious condition: acute cholecystitis, or inflammation of the gallbladder. Recent reports indicate a rise in emergency room visits related to this condition following the Lunar New Year holiday, a time often marked by increased consumption of fatty foods, and alcohol.
Understanding Acute Cholecystitis
The gallbladder plays a crucial role in digestion, storing bile produced by the liver. Bile aids in the breakdown and absorption of fats. When we consume a high-fat meal, the gallbladder contracts to release bile into the small intestine. However, if gallstones – hardened deposits that form in the gallbladder – block the cystic duct (the tube that carries bile), it can lead to a buildup of bile and subsequent inflammation, resulting in acute cholecystitis. According to medical professionals, even a short period of overeating and drinking can trigger cholecystitis in individuals predisposed to the condition, such as those with existing gallstones or a history of a high-fat diet.
Recognizing the Symptoms
The hallmark symptom of acute cholecystitis is typically a sudden and intense pain in the upper right side of the abdomen, often described as a squeezing sensation. This pain frequently begins in the solar plexus or just below the right ribs and can radiate to the back or right shoulder. Unlike the transient discomfort of indigestion, the pain associated with cholecystitis tends to persist for several hours and often doesn’t respond effectively to over-the-counter pain relievers.
Other symptoms that may accompany acute cholecystitis include fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, and a loss of appetite. In some cases, jaundice – a yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes – can also occur. It’s important to note that the pain often worsens after eating fatty foods.
When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Distinguishing between simple indigestion and acute cholecystitis can be challenging, as the initial symptoms can overlap. However, certain warning signs warrant immediate medical evaluation. Individuals experiencing upper right abdominal pain lasting longer than six hours, especially if accompanied by fever, chills, or persistent vomiting, should seek prompt medical attention. Those with a prior diagnosis of gallstones should be particularly vigilant.
Delaying treatment can lead to serious complications, including gallbladder necrosis (tissue death), perforation (a hole in the gallbladder), and peritonitis (inflammation of the abdominal lining). As Go Yoon-song, director of the Abdominal Center at Seran Hospital, explained, “If the pain gets worse after eating fatty foods or you feel pain when you press on your upper abdomen, it is safer to visit the hospital rather than holding on. In particular, caution is needed if you have been diagnosed with gallstones in the past or have recently experienced rapid weight loss.”
Differentiating Cholecystitis from Indigestion
While both cholecystitis and indigestion can cause abdominal discomfort, Notice key differences. Simple indigestion typically presents as a feeling of bloating or fullness in the center of the abdomen and usually resolves within one to two hours. In contrast, cholecystitis is characterized by a more localized, squeezing pain in the upper right abdomen that lasts for several hours or more. The pain of cholecystitis is often significantly exacerbated by the consumption of fatty foods and may not be relieved by standard pain medications.
Long-Term Considerations and Prevention
For individuals with gallstones, even those that are currently asymptomatic, there is a potential risk of future complications. Director Go Yoon-song notes that gallstones larger than 2 cm may increase the risk of developing cholecystitis or other related issues. In such cases, a preventive cholecystectomy – surgical removal of the gallbladder – may be considered.
While not always preventable, adopting a healthy diet low in saturated and trans fats, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding rapid weight loss can help reduce the risk of gallstone formation and, acute cholecystitis. Being mindful of dietary habits, especially during periods of increased indulgence, is crucial for maintaining gallbladder health.
– Medical professionals are urging individuals to be aware of the symptoms of acute cholecystitis and to seek prompt medical attention if they experience concerning abdominal pain, particularly following periods of overeating.
