This page offers general information about acute cholecystitis (sudden inflammation of the gallbladder). It describes common signs, typical diagnostic steps, and when to seek urgent medical assessment. It is not a source of personalised diagnosis or treatment advice.
Acute cholecystitis is an inflammation of the gallbladder that develops suddenly. The most common cause is a gallstone blocking the gallbladder outlet (cystic duct), leading to mechanical obstruction and inflammation. In some patients, particularly those who are critically ill, inflammation can occur without stones (acalculous cholecystitis). Severity and progression vary between individuals.
Typical symptoms include sudden pain in the right upper abdomen that may radiate to the right shoulder or back, fever, nausea and vomiting. On clinical exam there may be tenderness in the right upper abdomen and a positive Murphy sign. Seek immediate medical evaluation if you or someone has high fever with shaking chills, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), rapidly worsening severe abdominal pain, fainting or confusion, or signs of low blood pressure — these are red flags that require urgent care.
Diagnosis is usually based on clinical assessment, blood tests (to check for infection and liver function) and imaging. Abdominal ultrasound is the first‑line imaging test; HIDA scan or CT may be used if ultrasound is inconclusive. Initial assessment can occur in emergency services or primary care; coordination with general surgery or gastroenterology is commonly needed for further management and referral decisions.
Factors associated with gallbladder inflammation include older age, female sex, rapid weight loss, obesity and certain metabolic conditions. Measures such as a balanced diet and healthy weight management can reduce some risks, but not all cases are preventable. If you have concerns about risk factors, discuss them with your healthcare provider.
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