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Diagnosing Acute Cholecystitis: How to Identify the Patient?

Introduction:

Acute cholecystitis is a common condition that affects the gallbladder and causes inflammation. The symptoms can be vague and difficult to diagnose, making it important to distinguish between this condition and other related disorders.

List of Identifying Factors:

1. Abdominal Pain

Most individuals with acute cholecystitis experience severe pain in the upper-right side of the abdomen, which can extend towards the back or shoulder.

2. Nausea and Vomiting

Patients may also experience nausea and vomiting, which can be due to an inflamed gallbladder.

3. Fever

A fever is another common symptom, generally with a high temperature above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit.

4. Elevated White Blood Cell Count

Acute cholecystitis can cause an increase in white blood cells, indicating an underlying infection.

5. Murphy’s Sign

This test involves pressing on the right side of the abdomen under the rib cage while asking the patient to take a deep breath; if they abruptly stop inhaling due to pain, this may indicate acute cholecystitis.

Conclusion:

Diagnosing acute cholecystitis requires a thorough understanding of its symptoms and identification factors. Abdominal pain, nausea/vomiting, fever, elevated white blood cells, and Murphy’s sign are all indicators that could help diagnose this condition accurately. Seeking prompt medical attention is crucial for managing acute cholecystitis efficiently while minimizing complications associated with untreated disease.

Understanding Acute Cholecystitis
This video contains a visual explanation of acute cholecystitis, aimed at helping students of medicine and healthcare professionals prepare for exams. Written notes on acute cholecystitis can be found at Patreon: See how I make videos like this …

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Steven C. Forrest

Hi, my name is Steven C. Forrest, a pathology expert and the creator of pathologyblawg.com. Leading expert in the field of pathology.

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