Cholecystitis

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

Cholecystitis is inflammation of your gallbladder. Your gallbladder is located on the right side of abdomen near your stomach. Your gallbladder stores bile, which helps break down the fat that you eat. It also helps remove certain chemicals from your body. You may have a sudden, severe attack (acute cholecystitis) or several mild attacks (chronic cholecystitis).

INSTRUCTIONS:

Medicines:

• Pain medicine: You may be given medicine to take away or decrease pain. Do not wait until the pain is severe before you take your medicine.
  
  
• Antibiotics: This medicine will help fight or prevent an infection. Take your antibiotics until they are gone, even if you feel better.
  
  
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine: This group of medicine is also called NSAIDs. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine may be given to bring down a fever or to decrease pain. This medicine can be bought without a doctor's order. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems if they are not taken correctly.
  
  
• Take your medicine as directed: Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell him if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits.

Follow up with your primary healthcare provider as directed:

Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

Eat a variety of healthy foods:

This may help you have more energy and heal faster. Healthy foods include fruit, vegetables, whole-grain breads, low-fat dairy products, beans, lean meat, and fish. Ask if you need to be on a special diet.

Contact your primary healthcare provider if:

• You have a fever or chills.
  
  
• You have nausea or vomiting.
  
  
• You have decreased appetite.
  
  
• You have pain when you urinate.
  
  
• Your skin or eyes turn yellow.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Seek care immediately or call 911 if:

• You have severe pain in your abdomen.
  
  
• You have chest pain or trouble breathing.
  
  
• You urinate less than usual.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Learn more about Cholecystitis (Aftercare Instructions)