Acute cholecystitis is a sudden inflammation of the gallbladder
that causes severe abdominal pain. See also: Chronic
cholecystitis Cholecystitis - acute Causes, incidence, and risk
factors In 90% of cases, acute cholecystitis is caused by
gallstones in the gallbladder. Other causes include severe
illness and (rarely) tumors of the gallbladder. Acute
cholecystitis occurs when bile becomes trapped in the
gallbladder. The buildup of bile causes irritation and pressure
in the gallbladder. This can lead to infection and a hole
(perforation) in the organ. Gallstones occur more often in women
than men. Gallstones become more common with age in both sexes.
Native Americans and Hispanics have a higher rate of gallstones
than most other people. The main symptom is pain in the upper
right side or upper middle of the abdomen. The pain may: - Be
sharp, cramping, or dull - Be steady - Spread to the back or
below the right shoulder blade Other symptoms that may occur
include: - Clay-colored stools - Nausea and vomiting - Ye