Fever In Chronic Cholecystitis: Should It Be Ignored?

Experiencing fever with chronic cholecystitis is a warning sign that should not be overlooked. Typically, chronic cholecystitis presents with mild symptoms, such as slight pain in the upper right abdomen, nausea, vomiting, or reduced appetite—especially after heavy or fatty meals. Fever is not a common symptom in chronic cases. However, if a patient begins to run a fever, it often indicates that the condition has escalated into acute cholecystitis or even acute suppurative cholecystitis.

The presence of fever may also suggest a bacterial infection that has entered the bloodstream, potentially leading to bacteremia or sepsis. This is a serious development, as untreated infection can rapidly become life-threatening. At this stage, the inflammation is no longer mild and requires immediate medical attention.

Seeking professional medical evaluation is crucial when fever accompanies chronic gallbladder disease. Doctors will perform a thorough physical examination, review the patient's medical history, and order diagnostic tests such as liver and gallbladder ultrasound, abdominal CT scan, complete blood count, blood chemistry, and liver function tests. These tools help determine the severity of the inflammation and guide the appropriate treatment plan.

For mild cases, fever and inflammation may be managed with outpatient antibiotic therapy and dietary adjustments. However, severe cases often require hospitalization and surgical intervention, such as cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal), to prevent complications. Prompt treatment significantly improves outcomes and reduces the risk of severe infection or systemic complications.

In summary, fever in individuals with chronic cholecystitis is a red flag that should never be ignored. Timely diagnosis and treatment are essential to avoid potentially fatal consequences.