What is Cholecystitis and the common signs and symptoms associated with it?

Cholecystitis, or gallbladder inflammation, is an inflammation that affects the small organ under the liver which stores and concentrates digestive bile. Gallstones can cause cholecystitis by blocking the bile flow and causing inflammation. Cholecystitis is characterized by abdominal pain or discomfort, nausea, vomiting, chills or fever, and tenderness on the right upper abdomen. Jaundice or bloating in the upper right abdomen may also be a symptom. If there is a severe obstruction, bile can back up and cause bile to enter other organs. Diagnostic tests include ultrasounds or CT scans, along with blood tests. The treatment usually involves antibiotics for infection reduction and surgical removal of any obstructions within the gallbladder.