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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Gallstones and Cholecystitis?

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Gallstones and cholecystitis are related conditions that affect the gallbladder, but they have distinct differences:

Gallstones (Cholelithiasis):

  • Gallstones are pieces of hardened bile residue that form in the gallbladder, usually at the bottom, but they can also travel.
  • They can cause bile to back up into the gallbladder when they block the bile ducts.
  • Approximately 15% of the world's population has gallstones, with 20% of these individuals experiencing complications, including cholecystitis.
  • Gallstones cause 95% of all cholecystitis cases.

Cholecystitis:

  • Cholecystitis is the inflammation of the gallbladder, which can be caused by gallstones.
  • It occurs when a gallstone gets stuck in the bile duct, causing bile to back up into the gallbladder, leading to swelling, pain, and other complications.
  • If untreated, cholecystitis can lead to serious complications, including infection within the gallbladder and death of gallbladder tissue (gangrene).

In summary, gallstones are hardened deposits that can cause blockages in the bile ducts, while cholecystitis is the inflammation of the gallbladder that can result from gallstones blocking the bile ducts. In most cases, gallstones are the main cause of cholecystitis.

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  • What is the Difference Between Gallstones and Cholecystitis?
  • Comparative Table: Gallstones vs Cholecystitis

    • Comparative Table: Gallstones vs Cholecystitis

    Here is a table comparing the differences between gallstones and cholecystitis:

    Condition Description Causes Symptoms Treatment
    Gallstones (Cholelithiasis) A condition where hardened bile deposits form in the gallbladder. Defects in the gallbladder, genetic factors, environmental factors, and certain medical conditions. Most gallstones cause no symptoms, but some may lead to pain, nausea, and vomiting. Most gallstones are silent and require no treatment. Painful gallstones may be treated with pain medications or surgery to remove the gallbladder (cholecystectomy).
    Cholecystitis Inflammation of the gallbladder, often caused by persistent obstruction of the cystic duct by a gallstone. Obstruction of the cystic duct, infections, and other complications. Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, and yellowing of the skin (jaundice). Pain medications, antibiotics, and surgery to remove the gallbladder (cholecystectomy) in severe cases.

    Both conditions are related to the gallbladder and may have similar symptoms, such as abdominal pain. However, they have different causes and treatments.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.