gallbladder with fever

Overview

The gallbladder is a small organ under your liver that stores bile, a fluid that helps digest fat. When the gallbladder becomes inflamed, often because a gallstone blocks the outlet, it can cause pain and fever. This condition is called acute cholecystitis.

Gallbladder problems are fairly common, especially in people with gallstones. Acute cholecystitis is less common but still affects many people each year.

It can affect anyone, but it is more common in women, people over 40, those who are overweight, and people with a family history of gallstones.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Severe pain in the upper right or center of the belly that may spread to the right shoulder or back
• Fever and chills
• Nausea and vomiting
• Tenderness when touching the belly area

Symptoms in children

• Similar symptoms but may be harder to describe; look for irritability, refusing to eat, and fever.

Symptoms in older adults

• Older adults may have less typical symptoms, such as only fever or confusion, without obvious pain.

Causes

Main causes

• Gallstones blocking the gallbladder's duct (most common)
• Tumors or other blockages
• Injury or infection

Risk factors

• Being female
• Age over 40
• Obesity
• Rapid weight loss
• Diabetes
• Certain blood disorders (like sickle cell disease)

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Any fever with severe belly pain
• Pain that prevents you from standing still or lying comfortably
• Symptoms that keep getting worse over hours

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have mild, recurring belly pain after meals, especially fatty meals
• If you have indigestion or bloating that won't go away

Diagnosis

Doctors will ask about your symptoms and examine your belly. They will likely order tests to look at your gallbladder and check for infection.

Tests that may be done

• Blood tests to check for infection or liver problems
• Ultrasound of the gallbladder (main imaging test)
• CT scan or HIDA scan if needed

What to expect at your appointment

You'll likely be seen in an emergency room or urgent care. If acute cholecystitis is suspected, you may be admitted to hospital for treatment and monitoring.

Treatment

Treatment for gallbladder inflammation with fever usually starts in the hospital. You may get fluids through a vein, pain relief, and antibiotics for infection. Surgery to remove the gallbladder is often needed after the infection is controlled.

Self-care at home

• Do not eat or drink until a doctor says it's safe (to rest the gallbladder)
• Apply a cold pack to your belly if it helps with pain (but seek medical advice first)
• Avoid fatty foods if you have mild symptoms and are waiting for an appointment

Medical treatments

In hospital, you may receive antibiotics through a drip (intravenous) to treat infection, and pain medications. Your doctor may also give you medicine to help dissolve small gallstones, but surgery is the most common long-term solution.

When is surgery considered?

The standard treatment for gallbladder inflammation is surgery to remove the gallbladder (cholecystectomy). This is often done laparoscopically (keyhole surgery). It is usually scheduled a few days or weeks after the infection has been treated, but sometimes it's done urgently. You can live a normal life without a gallbladder.

Living with this condition

After recovery from gallbladder surgery, most people return to normal activities within a few weeks. You may need to adjust your diet temporarily.

Lifestyle tips

• Eat smaller, more frequent meals
• Avoid very greasy or fried foods at first
• Stay at a healthy weight
• Get regular exercise

Diet and exercise

After surgery, your body needs time to adjust to digesting fat without the gallbladder. Start with low-fat foods and gradually add more variety. Regular walking and light activities are fine once you feel up to it.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Dealing with sudden pain and surgery can be stressful. It's normal to feel anxious or worried. Talk to your healthcare team about any concerns.

Prevention

You can reduce your risk of gallstones by maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet with plenty of fiber, and avoiding rapid weight loss. However, not all gallbladder problems can be prevented.

Vaccines

There is no vaccine for gallbladder disease.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening test for gallbladder problems. If you have risk factors, talk to your doctor.

Complications

If left untreated

• The gallbladder can become so inflamed that it leaks or bursts (perforation)
• Infection can spread to the bile ducts or bloodstream (sepsis)
• Blockage can cause jaundice and liver damage

Long-term outlook

With prompt treatment, most people recover fully. Surgery to remove the gallbladder is very safe, and you can live a normal, healthy life without it. The outlook is excellent if treated early.

Find support

International organisations

• World Gastroenterology Organisation
• British Liver Trust ↗

Local organisations

• NHS ↗ · UK

External links open third-party websites. Ruqelo Health is not responsible for external content. Listing an organisation does not imply endorsement.