Introduction
Cholecystitis is an infection or inflammation of either the gallbladder (Cholecystitis) or the ducts (cholangitis) which drain bile from the gallbladder to the small intestine. The gallbladder is a small organ located directly under the liver. It acts as a bile reservoir, concentrating the bile which the body uses to digest fats. Bile contains cholesterol, bile salts, lecithin and other substances. Cholecystitis may be confused with hepatitis, pancreatitis or duodenal ulcer.
Cause
Cholecystitis is a result of inflammation or bacterial infection caused by gallstone formation and blockage of bile ducts.
The risk of cholecystitis increases with a diet high in fat and low in fibre, chronic or acute pancreatitis, coronary-artery disease, family history of gallbladder disease, obesity, oral contraceptives, rapid weight loss, diabetes, cirrhosis, middle-aged female (40 to 50), or female with previous gallstones who takes oestrogens.
Signs and symptoms
- Cramping pain in the upper right section of the abdomen. Pain may also occur in the chest (imitating a heart attack), in the upper back or the right shoulder. These symptoms frequently follow a meal rich in fats.
- Tenderness in the upper abdomen.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Belching.
- Slight fever. If high fever and chills occur, a bacterial infection is present.
- Jaundice (yellow skin or eyes).
- Pale stools (sometimes).
- Skin itching (sometimes).
Health care
Always see your Doctor for a diagnosis and treatment. Failure to treat this condition may be life-threatening.
Specific treatment will depend on degree of severity, infection, size of stones and general health. Non-surgical treatment methods include: medication to dissolve the stones or extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy that will shatter the stones.
Surgical treatment is usually a cholecystectomy (removal of the gallbladder) which is done by laparoscopic technique or an open surgical procedure. The best way to prevent Cholecystitis is to avoid the risk factors associated with its development.
Diet tips
- A diet to prevent Cholecystitis should be low in fat and high in fibre. Eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, whole grains, seeds, nuts, cereals and drink plenty of water. Fibre binds with bile in the digestive tract and promotes its production and removal from the body.
- Eat moderate amounts of low fat dairy products, lean meat and fish.
- Limit the intake of foods which are processed and high in sugar and saturated fats.
- Avoid all fried foods, spicy foods, margarine, soft drinks, commercial oils, chocolate and refined carbohydrates.
- Bitter foods (such as endives, chicory and the outer leaves of cos lettuce) stimulate bile secretion from the gallbladder and aid digestion.
- Lemon juice and apple cider vinegar may help emulsify fats.
Vits/mins/herbs
Nutritional supplements are only to be used if the dietary vitamin intake is inadequate.
- Cholecystitis increases the body's requirement for vitamin C, vitamin E and beta-carotene in some cases. A person prone to Cholecycstitis or other gallbladder problems should consider taking these nutrients daily.
- Increasing the intake of dietary fibre may help to prevent and treat Cholecystitis. There are a number of different types of fibres available e.g., wheat bran, oat bran, rice bran, psyllium hulls etc. Dietary fibre can be taken safely every day and will also help to regulate bowel motions and improve digestion.
- Phosphatidylcholine, found in lecithin, helps to improve the functioning of the gallbladder and stimulates the flow of bile which may help to prevent Cholecystitis.
- B complex vitamins help to stimulate the manufacture of lecithin in the body and are important for the health of the gallbladder.
- A diet low in essential fatty acids may result in gallbladder problems such as Cholecystitis. These healthy oils are known as omega 3 (found in fish and flaxseed oils) and omega 6 (found in evening primrose and starflower oils) essential fatty acids.
- The herbs Barberry ,Dandelion root and Milk thistle all contain bitter properties which may help to stimulate digestive and gall bladder function.
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