How is cholecystitis treated during lactation?

Generally, the treatment of cholecystitis during lactation mainly includes dietary adjustment, bed rest, medication, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) therapy, and surgical treatment. Specific analysis is as follows:

1. Dietary Adjustment

Cholecystitis flare-ups during lactation are often related to excessive fat intake. It is important to reduce consumption of greasy foods such as fried foods and fatty meats to avoid stimulating gallbladder contraction and worsening inflammation. A daily diet should consist primarily of light, easily digestible foods such as rice porridge, vegetables, and lean meat. Eating small meals frequently can reduce the digestive burden on the gallbladder and create favorable conditions for recovery from inflammation.

2. Bed Rest

During an inflammatory episode, the body needs to concentrate energy to combat the illness. Excessive physical activity increases energy expenditure and may worsen discomfort. Lactating mothers should ensure adequate bed rest, avoid fatigue, and minimize additional stress on the gallbladder. This helps stabilize bodily functions, promotes resolution of inflammation, and preserves physical strength needed for breastfeeding.

3. Medication

Drug therapy must balance effectiveness with safety for breastfeeding. Under medical guidance, patients may use medications such as cefuroxime axetil tablets, ursodeoxycholic acid capsules, or phloroglucinol injection to improve symptoms. Medication selection must strictly follow a physician’s instructions to ensure no adverse effects on the infant, and self-medication should be avoided.

4. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Therapy

According to TCM, cholecystitis during lactation is often associated with damp-heat in the liver and gallbladder or stagnation of qi and blood. Treatment focuses on clearing heat, eliminating dampness, regulating liver function, and promoting qi flow. Commonly used herbal medicines include Jin Dan Pian (Golden Gallbladder Tablets) and Xiao Yan Li Dan Pian (Anti-inflammatory and Gallbladder Pills). Acupuncture can regulate liver and gallbladder function by stimulating specific acupoints, relieve pain and other discomforts, improve local circulation in the gallbladder, and support recovery from inflammation.

5. Surgical Treatment

If cholecystitis recurs frequently or complications such as gallbladder perforation or impacted gallstones occur, surgical intervention may be necessary. The most common procedure is laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Surgery removes the diseased gallbladder completely, preventing disease progression. After surgery, the timing of resuming breastfeeding should be determined under medical supervision to ensure the safety of both mother and baby.

In addition, lactating mothers must strictly follow medical advice during treatment, undergo regular follow-up examinations to monitor recovery, and maintain emotional stability to avoid anxiety affecting healing. If symptoms such as worsening abdominal pain or fever occur during treatment, prompt medical attention is required to adjust the treatment plan.