Red flags for cholecystitis, a type of gallbladder inflammation, include a combination of symptoms such as abdominal pain, vomiting, nausea, fever, chills, and jaundice. It is important to recognize these symptoms in order to seek prompt medical care.
The most common symptom of cholecystitis is pain in the right upper abdomen or right shoulder blade. This pain may be sharp and sudden or dull and persistent. It could also be accompanied by a feeling of fullness after meals. In some cases, the pain may radiate to the back or right side of the chest.
Other symptoms of cholecystitis include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, fever, chills, and jaundice. These symptoms are usually accompanied by an elevated white blood cell count and an increase in the levels of bilirubin (dark yellow pigment) in the urine.
In addition to these symptoms, red flags for cholecystitis may include a family history of gallbladder problems, prior episodes of biliary colic (severe abdominal pain due to gallstones), or a history of obesity or rapid weight loss. If any of these symptoms or risk factors are present, it is important to seek prompt medical attention.
Cholecystitis is a serious condition that can lead to complications such as peritonitis (inflammation of the abdominal lining) and sepsis (blood infection), if left untreated. Therefore, it is important to recognize the red flags and seek medical care promptly if any of these symptoms are present.