Acute cholecystitis is a gallbladder inflammation. It often occurs when a gallstone obstructs the cystic duct, which is the main entrance of the gallbladder. When this occurs, the bile will build up in the cystic duct, which in turn causes sharp and severe pain in the stomach.
Gallstones are small stones that originate in the gallbladder and usually form from cholesterol. Gallstones are very prominent, affecting around one in ten people in the UK. Furthermore, they rarely develop symptoms. However, they may sometimes induce biliary colic or acute cholecystitis.
Because of the possibility of complications, acute cholecystitis is potentially dangerous. It is typically treated with antibiotics, intravenous fluids, and rest in a hospital.