What is cholecystitis?

Cholecystitis refers to the inflammation of the gallbladder, a small organ situated beneath the liver that stores bile, which is important for digestion. This condition can be caused by various factors, including the presence of gallstones, which can block the bile ducts, leading to difficulty in bile flow and subsequent inflammation. Symptoms often associated with cholecystitis include abdominal pain, particularly in the upper right quadrant, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes fever.

Understanding the specific function of the gallbladder is key to recognizing why its inflammation is significant. While other options refer to different organs and types of inflammation, cholecystitis specifically focuses on the gallbladder's role in digestion and how its inflammation can lead to broader health issues, including potential infections or complications that may require surgical intervention.