Gallblöðrubólga

Gallblöðrubólga is the Icelandic term for cholecystitis, which refers to inflammation of the gallbladder. This condition is most commonly caused by gallstones that obstruct the cystic duct, the tube that connects the gallbladder to the common bile duct. When the gallbladder is blocked, bile can accumulate, leading to increased pressure and inflammation. Other less common causes include bacterial infections, trauma, or tumors.

Symptoms of gallblöðrubólga typically include sudden and severe pain in the upper right abdomen, often radiating to the shoulder or back. This pain may be accompanied by fever, nausea, vomiting, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) if the bile duct is also affected. The pain can be intermittent or constant and may worsen after eating fatty foods.

Diagnosis usually involves a physical examination, blood tests to check for signs of inflammation and liver function, and imaging studies such as an ultrasound or CT scan to visualize the gallbladder and identify gallstones or other abnormalities.

Treatment for gallblöðrubólga depends on the severity of the inflammation and the presence of complications. In many cases, surgical removal of the gallbladder, known as cholecystectomy, is the recommended treatment. This can be performed laparoscopically or through open surgery. In milder cases or if surgery is not immediately possible, medical management with pain relief, antibiotics, and bowel rest may be employed. Prompt medical attention is important to prevent complications such as gallbladder rupture or infection spreading to other organs.