Why does cholecystitis improve after bowel movements?

Relief of cholecystitis symptoms after defecation may be due to reduced intra-abdominal pressure, improved intestinal motility, alleviation of intestinal dysfunction, decreased gallstone obstruction, and reduced biliary tract infection. The specific explanations are as follows:

1. Reduced intra-abdominal pressure: During defecation, the pressure within the abdominal cavity decreases as the intestines empty, which helps relieve compression on the gallbladder and surrounding tissues, thereby alleviating symptoms.

2. Improved intestinal motility: When food enters the gastrointestinal tract, it triggers digestive tract peristalsis and increases abdominal pressure. This change in pressure can indirectly promote bile excretion, facilitate gallbladder emptying, and reduce symptoms of cholecystitis.

3. Alleviation of intestinal dysfunction: Patients with cholecystitis may experience intestinal dysfunction such as constipation or diarrhea. After defecation, intestinal function improves to some extent, helping to reduce inflammatory stimulation and burden on the gallbladder.

4. Reduced gallstone obstruction: Changes in abdominal pressure during defecation may help move gallstones and alleviate blockage of the bile ducts, thus reducing symptoms.

5. Reduced biliary tract infection: Bowel emptying and improved peristalsis help reduce the migration of intestinal bacteria into the biliary tract, thereby indirectly decreasing the severity of biliary infection.

In daily life, patients with cholecystitis should maintain healthy eating habits, avoid overeating, eat smaller meals more frequently, minimize consumption of spicy and irritating foods, and consume more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and other high-fiber foods to support regular bowel movements.