Cholecystitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Cholecystitis?
Cholecystitis is usually treated by a general surgeon. This is a doctor who does operations, such as removing the gallbladder. A gastroenterologist, a doctor who treats digestive problems, also helps. Severe belly pain needs emergency care. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is cholecystitis?
Cholecystitis is swelling and irritation of the gallbladder. The gallbladder is an organ that sits below the liver. It stores bile, a fluid the liver makes. Your body uses bile to digest fats.
Acute cholecystitis comes on suddenly and causes severe belly pain. Chronic cholecystitis is swelling and irritation that continues over time. Eventually, the gallbladder becomes thick and hard. It does not store and release bile as well as it did.
Symptoms
The main symptom of acute cholecystitis is pain in the upper right or upper middle belly. The pain usually lasts at least 30 minutes. It may feel:
- sharp, cramping, or dull
- steady
- like it spreads to your back or below your right shoulder blade
- worse after a meal, more often a fatty meal
Other symptoms can include fever, nausea and vomiting, and clay-colored stools. Jaundice can also occur. This is yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes. It is not clear whether chronic cholecystitis causes any symptoms.
Causes and who gets it
Acute cholecystitis occurs when bile becomes trapped in the gallbladder. This often happens because a gallstone blocks the cystic duct. That is the tube bile uses to enter and leave the gallbladder. Bile then builds up. This causes irritation and pressure. It can lead to swelling and infection.
Other causes include serious illnesses, such as HIV or diabetes, and rare tumors of the gallbladder. Chronic cholecystitis is most often caused by repeated attacks of acute cholecystitis. Most of these attacks are caused by gallstones.
Some people are more at risk for gallstones. Risk factors include:
- being female
- pregnancy
- hormone therapy
- older age
- being Native American or Hispanic
- obesity
- losing or gaining weight rapidly
- diabetes
Chronic cholecystitis occurs more often in women than in men. It is more common after age 40.
How doctors diagnose it
A doctor does a physical exam and asks about your symptoms. You will likely have pain when the doctor pushes on your belly. Blood tests may include a complete blood count, which counts your blood cells. Liver function tests show how well the liver is working.
Imaging tests can show gallstones or inflammation. These include an ultrasound, a CT scan, or an MRI scan of the belly. A gallbladder scan called a HIDA scan may also be used.
Treatment
In the emergency room, you will be given fluids through a vein. You may also be given antibiotics to fight infection. Cholecystitis may clear up on its own. But if you have gallstones, you will probably need surgery to remove your gallbladder.
Surgery is the most common treatment. Surgery to remove the gallbladder is called cholecystectomy. Most often, the surgery is done through small cuts. This is called laparoscopic surgery. Recovery is faster this way. Many people go home on the same day or the next morning. An open cholecystectomy needs a larger cut in the upper right part of the belly.
Treatment without surgery can include antibiotics you take at home, pain medicines, and a low-fat diet if you are able to eat. You may need emergency surgery for complications. Examples are gangrene (tissue death) of the gallbladder, a hole in the gallbladder wall, or an inflamed pancreas. If you are very ill, a tube may be placed through your belly into your gallbladder to drain it. Once you feel better, your provider may recommend surgery. Most people who have surgery to remove their gallbladder recover completely.
When to see a doctor
Contact a doctor if symptoms of cholecystitis return. See a doctor right away if you have these symptoms during or after a gallbladder attack. They are belly pain lasting several hours, nausea and vomiting, fever or chills, and yellow skin or eyes. These can be signs of a serious infection or inflammation of the gallbladder, liver, or pancreas.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have severe belly pain or pressure. Also go if you faint or have a sudden change in mental state, such as confusion.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. After the emergency, such a doctor can follow your recovery. They can also help coordinate care with a surgeon.
Common questions
Is cholecystitis an emergency?
Yes, it can be an emergency. Severe belly pain needs emergency care. Untreated, cholecystitis may lead to gangrene, a hole in the gallbladder wall, or pancreatitis. It may also lead to peritonitis. This is inflammation of the lining of the belly.
Do I need surgery for cholecystitis?
You will probably need surgery if you have gallstones. Cholecystitis may clear up on its own. Still, surgery to remove the gallbladder is the most common treatment.
Can cholecystitis be prevented?
Cholecystitis is not always preventable. Removing the gallbladder and gallstones will prevent further attacks. Eating less fatty food may relieve symptoms. However, the benefit of a low-fat diet has not been proven.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Acute cholecystitis
- MedlinePlus - Chronic cholecystitis
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases - Symptoms & Causes of Gallstones
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
