Is an enlarged gallbladder a sign of cholecystitis?

Generally speaking, whether an enlarged gallbladder indicates cholecystitis needs to be determined based on specific symptoms and medical examinations. In some cases, gallbladder enlargement is caused by cholecystitis and requires targeted treatment; in others, it may result from factors such as diet or gallstones, requiring management according to the underlying cause. The detailed analysis is as follows:

If gallbladder enlargement is accompanied by symptoms such as right upper abdominal pain, nausea, and bloating, and imaging shows thickened, irregular gallbladder walls, it is often due to cholecystitis. Inflammation can cause congestion and edema of the gallbladder, leading to its enlargement. In such cases, anti-inflammatory medications should be used under a doctor's guidance, along with dietary adjustments when necessary to control the condition.

If the gallbladder is enlarged but no obvious discomfort is present, it may be caused by prolonged fasting, gallstones blocking the bile duct, or abnormal gallbladder function. Prolonged fasting can lead to excessive bile accumulation and temporary gallbladder enlargement, which typically resolves after eating. Gallstones blocking the bile duct can impair bile drainage, resulting in passive gallbladder distension.

In daily care, regardless of whether the enlarged gallbladder is caused by cholecystitis, it is important to maintain regular eating habits, avoid prolonged fasting or overeating, and reduce intake of high-fat and high-cholesterol foods. Regular abdominal ultrasound examinations are recommended to monitor changes in gallbladder size and morphology.