Cholecystitis

Cholecystitis is the swelling (inflammation) of the gallbladder caused by gallstones blocking the ducts that carry bile (digestive fluid that breaks down fat) from the gallbladder to the small intestine. Intense pain in the upper right side of the abdomen, where the gallbladder sits under the liver, requires medical intervention. Risk factors include obesity and age; treatment with antibiotics for infection, and sometimes surgery, is usually necessary to prevent further complications.