How long does a gallbladder attack last

Unlike other types of abdominal pain , the pain of acute cholecystitis is usually persistent and does not go away within a few hours. See a GP as soon as possible if you develop sudden and severe abdominal pain, particularly if it lasts longer than a few hours or is accompanied by other symptoms, such as jaundice and a high temperature. If you're unable to contact a GP immediately, phone your local out-of-hours service or call NHS for advice.

It's important for acute cholecystitis to be diagnosed as soon as possible, as there's a risk serious complications could develop if it's not treated promptly. The causes of acute cholecystitis can be grouped into 2 main categories: calculous cholecystitis and acalculous cholecystitis.

Calculous cholecystitis is the most common, and usually less serious, type of acute cholecystitis. Calculous cholecystitis develops when the main opening to the gallbladder, the cystic duct, gets blocked by a gallstone or a substance known as biliary sludge.

Biliary sludge is a mixture of bile, a liquid produced by the liver that helps digest fats, and small cholesterol and salt crystals. The blockage in the cystic duct causes bile to build up in the gallbladder, increasing the pressure inside it and causing it to become inflamed. Acalculous cholecystitis is a less common, but usually more serious, type of acute cholecystitis.

It usually develops as a complication of a serious illness, infection or injury that damages the gallbladder. You'll be asked to breathe in deeply with the GP's hand pressed on your tummy, just below your rib cage. Your gallbladder will move downwards as you breathe in. If you have cholecystitis, you'll experience sudden pain as your gallbladder reaches your doctor's hand. If your symptoms suggest you have acute cholecystitis, your GP will refer you to hospital immediately for further tests and treatment.

Other scans, such as an X-ray , CT scan or MRI scan , may also be carried out to examine your gallbladder in more detail if there's any uncertainty about your diagnosis. If you're diagnosed with acute cholecystitis, you'll probably need to be admitted to hospital for treatment. You'll also be given antibiotics if it's thought you have an infection.

These often need to be continued for up to a week, during which time you may need to stay in hospital, or you may be able to go home. After initial treatment, any gallstones that may have caused acute cholecystitis usually fall back into the gallbladder and the inflammation will often settle down.

Removing your gallbladder may be recommended at some point after initial treatment to prevent acute cholecystitis coming back and reduce your risk of developing potentially serious complications. This type of surgery is known as a cholecystectomy. Although uncommon, an alternative procedure called a percutaneous cholecystostomy may be carried out if you're too unwell to have surgery.

This is where a needle is inserted through your tummy to drain away the fluid that's built up in the gallbladder. If you're fit enough to have surgery, your doctors will decide when the best time to remove your gallbladder is. In contrast, a laparoscopic procedure uses minimally invasive devices inserted into small incisions to remove the gallbladder. Regardless of which procedure you receive, you will be under general anesthesia for your comfort and to keep you pain-free.

Generally, patients of laparoscopic surgery, or keyhole surgery, can leave the hospital the same day of their procedure. However, after open gallbladder removal surgery , patients usually stay in the hospital for days. Your doctor will give you instructions for your recovery.

Usually, this includes avoiding heavy lifting or high levels of activity. The short answer is yes, gallbladder symptoms can be a sign of other problems also. Symptoms of gallbladder disease are similar to symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease GERD.

Alternatively, gallbladder attacks may be confused with heart disease. Many of the general surgeons at The Surgical Clinic have been trained in gallbladder surgery. If you experience frequent gallbladder attacks, come visit one of our general surgeons in Nashville, Smyrna, Lebanon, Mt. Juliet, Hermitage or Murfreesboro. Our surgeons offer professional and expert consultations to help you get the best care possible. Call The Surgical Clinic near you today and set up your appointment.

This system includes the liver, gallbladder, and bile ducts. Drew Reynolds of The Surgical Clinic goes over the disease process and nature of gallbladder surgery.

Joshua Taylor, general surgeon at The Surgical Clinic, answers some of the most common questions patients ask about gallbladder surgery in this short video. John A. Patrick T. Brent A. Fruin, MD General Surgeon.

Andrew W. Garrett, MD General Surgeon. Trudie A. Mark S. George B. Clinton A. Marlar, MD General Surgeon. James G. Willie V. Chad M. Gregory E. Drew H. Reynolds, MD General Surgeon.

James W. Richardson Jr. Joshua T. The page you requested could not be found. Try refining your search, or use the navigation above to locate the post. Juliet, TN Sleeping on your left side can help manage pain caused by gallstones if you have a clogged bile duct. Learn about other pain relief remedies and when…. Here are things to consider. Alcohol is a known risk factor for many health conditions. However, research has shown that moderate alcohol consumption may actually help prevent….

Your gallbladder, located in your upper right abdomen, is an important part of your biliary system. Learn more about the function of your gallbladder…. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M. Gallbladder pain Other symptoms Conditions with similar pain When to seek help Pain relief Takeaway Gallbladder pain can be sudden, intense, and severe.

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