Gallbladder Inflammation Caused By Gallstones: Recognizing The Symptoms

Gallbladder inflammation caused by gallstones, also known as calculous cholecystitis, can present in various ways depending on the severity and individual response. Here are the most common symptoms and related medical insights:

Asymptomatic Cases: Some individuals may not experience any noticeable symptoms. Often, gallstones are discovered incidentally during routine medical checkups or ultrasound scans performed for unrelated reasons.

Abdominal Pain: The most common symptom is pain in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen, which occurs in approximately 84% of cases. This discomfort may radiate to the back and is typically associated with gallbladder inflammation or irritation caused by the presence of stones.

Physical Examination Findings: During a physical exam, tenderness in the upper right abdomen may be detected. A positive Murphy's sign—where pain intensifies when the doctor presses under the ribs on the right side while the patient inhales—is a key indicator of gallbladder disease.

Diagnostic Imaging: Ultrasound and CT scans are commonly used to identify gallstones. These tools also help detect complications such as gallstone pancreatitis or cholangitis, which are serious conditions related to blockage of the bile ducts.

In terms of management, asymptomatic patients may not require immediate treatment. However, if gallstones suddenly increase in size or number, surgical removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy) is often recommended. For patients with complications like gallstone pancreatitis or bile duct stones with associated inflammation, initial treatment may include medical management such as anti-inflammatory drugs, pain relief, and ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography) to clear the bile ducts before considering surgery.