Chronic cholecystitis history and symptoms

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Furqan M M. M.B.B.S[2], Aditya Govindavarjhulla, M.B.B.S. [3]

The patients with chronic cholecystitis may have the history of recurrent episodes of biliary colic or acute cholecystitis. A positive history of biliary colic, nausea and vomiting are suggestive of chronic cholecystitis. The most common symptoms of chronic cholecystitis are right upper quadrant abdominal or epigastric pain, pain is usually prolonged and there is a positive history of pain after ingestion of heavy fatty meals. The pain is severe and steady and may radiate to the back or right shoulder.

The patients with chronic cholecystitis may present with the following history and symptoms.^[1][2][3][4]

Patients with chronic cholecystitis may have the positive family history of:

• Previous episodes of right upper quadrant or epigastric pain
• Opioids and estrogen use
• Diabetes
• Hypertension
• Infections such as:
  • Salmonella
  • Candida
  • Cholera
  • Tuberculosis
• Rapid weight loss
• Hospitalization

The common symptoms of acute cholecystitis include:

• Episodes of upper abdominal pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Belching
• Diarrhea
• Nausea or vomiting

The less common symptoms of acute cholecystitis include:

• Jaundice
• Malaise

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