Which is better for cholecystitis, traditional Chinese medicine or Western medicine?

Oct 29, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Wang Lei

Introduction

There is no definitive answer as to whether traditional Chinese medicine or Western medicine is better for treating cholecystitis. The choice of medication should be made based on individual circumstances. Regardless of the approach chosen, treatment should always be conducted under the guidance of a doctor. If acute cholecystitis is not promptly controlled with Western medicine, it may lead to serious complications such as gallbladder perforation. Relying blindly on traditional Chinese medicine during the chronic phase while neglecting lifestyle modifications may also result in recurrent symptoms.

In general, there is no definitive answer as to whether traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) or Western medicine is better for treating cholecystitis. The choice of treatment should be based on individual circumstances. The following is a detailed analysis:

During an acute episode of cholecystitis, Western medicine is usually preferred. Patients often experience severe abdominal pain, fever, nausea, and vomiting, requiring rapid control of inflammation and relief of acute symptoms. Antibiotics in Western medicine can effectively target biliary tract infections, antispasmodic drugs quickly relieve abdominal pain caused by gallbladder spasms, and cholagogues promote bile excretion. These medications act rapidly, helping prevent disease progression and allowing time for further treatment.

During the remission phase of chronic cholecystitis or when symptoms are mild, traditional Chinese medicine may play a beneficial regulatory role. TCM practitioners use pattern differentiation based on the patient's constitution—for example, treating liver qi stagnation or damp-heat in the liver and gallbladder—with herbal formulas or proprietary Chinese medicines that soothe the liver, promote bile flow, clear heat, and resolve dampness. This helps alleviate symptoms such as dull right upper quadrant pain, bloating, and indigestion, while also supporting liver and gallbladder function and reducing the frequency of acute flare-ups.

Regardless of the approach chosen, treatment should always be conducted under medical supervision. Failure to promptly control acute cholecystitis with Western medicine may lead to serious complications such as gallbladder perforation. Conversely, relying solely on Chinese medicine during the chronic phase without addressing lifestyle factors may result in recurrent symptoms. When necessary, doctors may recommend an integrated approach—using Western medicine to control acute symptoms and switching to Chinese medicine for long-term regulation once the condition stabilizes—to achieve optimal therapeutic outcomes.

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What should I do if there are more gallbladder polyps?

In general, an increase in gallbladder polyps may be caused by improper dietary habits, prolonged熬夜 and irregular作息, chronic cholecystitis, coexisting gallstones with irritation, or progression of gallbladder adenomyomatosis. Patients can choose appropriate management strategies such as lifestyle modifications, medication, or surgical treatment based on their specific conditions. A detailed analysis is as follows:

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What should I do if my gallbladder hurts even after taking medication for cholecystitis?

In general, persistent pain in cholecystitis despite medication may be caused by uncontrolled diet, excessive emotional fluctuations, insufficient drug dosage, gallstone obstruction, or gallbladder gangrene. Patients can choose appropriate management approaches such as conservative treatment, pharmacological therapy, or surgical intervention based on their specific condition. Daily dietary control is essential, adhering strictly to a light, low-fat diet. Additionally, patients should learn to regulate their emotions and maintain a calm and balanced state of mind.

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What impact do gallbladder polyps have on liver function?

The impact of gallbladder polyps on liver function varies depending on the specific condition of the polyps. In most cases, there is no significant effect; however, in a minority of cases, they may cause bile stasis, indirect damage to hepatocytes, concurrent cholecystitis affecting liver function, malignant transformation involving the liver, or obstruction of bile ducts impairing excretion. If symptoms such as jaundice or abdominal pain occur, prompt evaluation by a hepatobiliary surgeon is recommended.