Cholecystitis is an inflammation of the gallbladder, a pear-shaped organ located in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen.

This condition occurs when bile, a fluid produced by the liver to aid in digestion, becomes trapped in the gallbladder and causes irritation and infection. Recognizing the common symptoms of cholecystitis can help prompt a timely diagnosis and treatment plan to prevent further complications.

1. Abdominal Pain

Abdominal pain is a hallmark symptom of cholecystitis. Patients commonly describe a sudden onset of pain in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen that radiates to the back or shoulder.

The pain may be severe, intermittent, or constant, and can last from a few minutes to several hours.

2. Nausea and Vomiting

Cholecystitis can cause nausea and vomiting, particularly after meals. These symptoms result from the gallbladder’s inability to release bile to break down food in the small intestine.

Patients may also experience belching, bloating, and indigestion.

3. Fever and Chills

Cholecystitis can lead to a fever and chills. These symptoms indicate an infection and are the body’s response to fight off the harmful bacteria. A fever is typically defined as a body temperature above 100.4°F (38°C).

4. Jaundice

Jaundice occurs when the skin and whites of the eyes turn yellow. This condition results from the buildup of bilirubin, a yellow pigment produced by the liver.

Cholecystitis can cause jaundice when the inflamed gallbladder obstructs the bile ducts and prevents the liver from excreting bilirubin.

5. Tenderness and Guarding

Physical examination of the abdomen may reveal tenderness and guarding over the gallbladder region.

Tenderness refers to pain upon palpation or touching the area with the fingers, while guarding refers to the patient’s protective reflex to tense the abdominal muscles and prevent further discomfort.

6. Fatigue

Cholecystitis can cause fatigue and weakness due to the body’s inflammatory response and the interruption of normal digestion. Patients may feel tired even after a good night’s sleep and have difficulty performing daily tasks.

7. Clay-Colored Stools

Cholecystitis can alter the color and consistency of stools. Patients may notice pale or clay-colored stools due to the absence of bile, which gives stools their brown color. Stools may also become greasy or foul-smelling.

8. Dark Urine

Cholecystitis can also change the color of urine. Patients may notice dark-colored urine due to the buildup of bilirubin that is excreted in the urine instead of the feces. The urine may also appear foamy or cloudy.

9. Rapid Heart Rate

Cholecystitis can cause an increase in heart rate or tachycardia. This symptom results from the body’s release of stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol, in response to the inflammation and infection.

10. Confusion and Delirium

In severe cases, cholecystitis can lead to confusion and delirium. These symptoms occur when the infection spreads to the bloodstream and affects the brain. Patients may experience disorientation, hallucinations, and changes in mood or behavior.