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What is
Cholecystitis?
Cholecystitis is an inflammation of the
gallbladder wall and is commonly associated with gallstones.
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What are the symptoms?
Symptoms include abdominal pain and
distension, flatulence and signs of inflammation, such as fever, toxaemia,
and rapid pulse rate. Chronic cholecystitis is aggravated by food, in
particular fatty food.
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How is it diagnosed?
It is commonly investigated by
ultrasound, though information may also be gathered using an oral
cholecystogram, barium meal or liver function tests.
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Treatment
In the acute stage cholecystitis is
treated with antibiotics. Ultrasound is also used to help break up the
gallstones, or surgery is performed as a last resort to remove the stones.
Alternative management includes the
naturopathic approach which involves the ‘liver flush’ to allow the
body to pass the gallstones. This involves a special diet or fast for a
couple of days, followed by the drinking of a pint of olive oil with lemon
or apple juice. Homoeopathy, acupuncture and Chinese medicine are also
effective for this condition.
