K80-K87: Disorders of gallbladder, biliary tract and pancreas
K81: Cholecystitis
Cholecystitis is a medical term that refers to the inflammation of the gallbladder, a small organ located beneath the liver that stores bile, a fluid produced by the liver to help break down fat. This inflammation usually occurs when a gallstone, a hard deposit that forms in the gallbladder, blocks the tube leading out of the gallbladder. This causes bile to build up, which can lead to inflammation. Common symptoms of cholecystitis include severe pain in the upper right or center abdomen, tenderness over the abdomen when it's touched, nausea, vomiting and fever. If not treated promptly, cholecystitis can lead to serious complications, such as a gallbladder rupture, which is a medical emergency. The condition is commonly diagnosed through physical examination, blood tests, and imaging tests like ultrasound or CT scan.
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