Cholecystitis is a painful condition caused by inflammation of the gallbladder. It often presents as sharp or persistent pain on the upper right side of your abdomen and may be accompanied by nausea, fever, or discomfort that spreads to your back or shoulder.
You don’t have to figure out what’s wrong on your own. If your symptoms are interfering with daily life—or getting worse—care is available to help you feel better and understand your next steps.
The gallbladder is a small organ located beneath the liver. Its role is to store bile, a digestive fluid that helps your body break down fatty foods. When bile can’t move out of the gallbladder as it should, pressure builds up. This can irritate the gallbladder and cause inflammation.
That inflammation is known as cholecystitis.
The most common cause is gallstones. These small, hardened deposits can block the bile duct that carries bile from the gallbladder. When bile becomes trapped, the gallbladder can swell and become painful.
Other possible causes include:
Your care team works to identify the cause of the inflammation so treatment can be tailored to your needs.
Symptoms may appear suddenly or gradually, often after eating. Common signs include:
If pain is severe, persistent, or makes it hard to sit or lie comfortably, emergency care may be needed.
Cholecystitis usually doesn’t improve without medical treatment. Left untreated, inflammation can lead to infection, gallbladder tissue damage, or gallbladder wall tearing.
Early evaluation can help prevent complications and may shorten recovery time. Getting care sooner also gives you more treatment options.
Your doctor will determine the best path for treatment depending on how serious your symptoms are and the cause of the inflammation. Care often begins with relieving pain and allowing the gallbladder to rest.
Your treatment plan may include:
In many cases, removing the gallbladder is the most effective long-term solution. Gallbladder surgery is a common procedure, and most people are able to return to normal eating and activities after recovery. Your surgical team will explain what to expect and help you decide what’s right for you.
Schedule an appointment if you have ongoing abdominal pain, nausea, or symptoms that don’t improve. Seek emergency care right away if pain is intense, sudden, or accompanied by fever or vomiting.
Listening to your body and acting early can make a meaningful difference.
