Chronic cholecystitis
Long term inflammation of the gallbladder, commonly associated with gallstones and recurrent upper abdominal pain.
About this condition
Chronic cholecystitis occurs when the gallbladder becomes repeatedly or persistently inflamed, most commonly because of gallstones. It can cause recurring pain in the upper right side of the abdomen, particularly after eating, as well as nausea, bloating and digestive discomfort.
Treatment depends on the severity and frequency of symptoms. Where gallstones or gallbladder disease are causing recurrent problems, surgical removal of the gallbladder may be recommended. Persistent abdominal pain should be appropriately investigated because similar symptoms can also occur with other gastrointestinal, liver or pancreatic conditions.
Treatments people usually try first
These are the treatments commonly offered in the UK for this condition. A specialist doctor will want to know which of them you have tried, and what happened.
- Dietary changes, including reducing foods that trigger symptoms
- Appropriate pain relief during symptomatic episodes
- Treatment for nausea where required
- Investigation with blood tests and imaging such as ultrasound
- Gastroenterology or surgical assessment
- Laparoscopic removal of the gallbladder where clinically indicated
Could medical cannabis be appropriate?
People with this condition sometimes ask whether medical cannabis could be appropriate for them. That is a question for a specialist doctor, who will look at your diagnosis, your history and everything you have already tried before saying anything either way.
Medical cannabis is an unlicensed prescription only medicine in the UK. It is considered only where a diagnosed condition has not responded adequately to conventional treatment, and it is never a first step. We cannot tell you in advance what might be prescribed, and UK law does not allow us to describe or advertise any medicine on this website.
What we can do is assess you properly and be honest with you. If a specialist doctor does not think this route is right for you, they will say so, and they will explain why.
Medical cannabis does not treat gallstones, infection, obstruction or inflammation of the gallbladder and should not delay appropriate medical or surgical treatment.
All treatment is subject to clinical assessment and eligibility.
Questions about chronic cholecystitis
Gastrointestinal
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