The blockage in the cystic duct causes bile to build up in the gallbladder, increasing the pressure inside it and causing it to become inflamed. It accounts for around 95% of all cases.Ĭalculous cholecystitis develops when the main opening to the gallbladder, the cystic duct, gets blocked by a gallstone or a substance known as biliary sludge.īiliary sludge is a mixture of bile, a liquid produced by the liver that helps digest fats, and small cholesterol and salt crystals. Calculous cholecystitisĬalculous cholecystitis is the most common, and usually less serious, type of acute cholecystitis. The causes of acute cholecystitis can be grouped into 2 main categories: calculous cholecystitis and acalculous cholecystitis. It's important for acute cholecystitis to be diagnosed as soon as possible, as there's a risk serious complications could develop if it's not treated promptly. If you're unable to contact a GP immediately, phone your local out-of-hours service or call NHS 111 for advice. See a GP as soon as possible if you develop sudden and severe abdominal pain, particularly if it lasts longer than a few hours or is accompanied by other symptoms, such as jaundice and a high temperature.
Unlike other types of abdominal pain, the pain of acute cholecystitis is usually persistent and does not go away within a few hours. The affected part of the tummy is usually very tender, and breathing deeply can make the pain worse. This pain spreads towards your right shoulder. The main symptom of acute cholecystitis is a sudden, sharp pain in the upper right-hand side of your tummy (abdomen). It usually needs to be treated in hospital with rest, intravenous fluids and antibiotics.
They do not usually cause symptoms, but can occasionally cause episodes of pain (biliary colic) or acute cholecystitis.Īcute cholecystitis is potentially serious because of the risk of complications. Gallstones are very common, affecting about 1 in 10 adults in the UK. The cystic duct is the main opening of the gallbladder. Gallstones are small stones, usually made of cholesterol, that form in the gallbladder. It usually happens when a gallstone blocks the cystic duct. Acute cholecystitis is inflammation of the gallbladder.