What Is Cholecystitis?

Cholecystitis is an inflammatory condition affecting the gallbladder, commonly triggered by bile stasis, bacterial infection, or gallstones. It is classified into acute and chronic forms and impairs the gallbladder’s normal functions of storing and expelling bile. Recurrent abdominal distension and pain—particularly worsening after consuming fatty foods—warrant prompt medical evaluation and diagnosis.

The onset of cholecystitis is often associated with irregular eating habits and biliary metabolic dysfunction. As the gallbladder concentrates and secretes bile, poor dietary practices can lead to bile stasis; prolonged stasis irritates the gallbladder mucosa, resulting in inflammatory injury. Mild cases may be managed with anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and cholagogue medications, alongside dietary modifications to support recovery and alleviate symptoms such as abdominal pain and nausea.

Acute cholecystitis develops rapidly and typically presents with severe abdominal pain and fever, with rapid disease progression. Chronic cholecystitis usually evolves from recurrent episodes of acute inflammation, leading to progressive, sustained impairment of gallbladder function. For patients with recurrent disease or concomitant gallstone obstruction, surgical removal of the diseased gallbladder (cholecystectomy) offers definitive treatment by eliminating the source of inflammation.

In daily life, maintain regular mealtimes, avoid overeating or binge eating, limit intake of high-fat and greasy foods, adhere to a light and balanced diet, and incorporate moderate physical activity—these measures help stabilize biliary metabolism and preserve normal gallbladder physiology.