Acute cholecystitis is a rather serious and at the same time widespread problem . Emergency care provided correctly and on time is sometimes a decisive factor in further treatment.
What is acute cholecystitis?
The inflammatory process in the walls of the gallbladder is characterized by acute cholecystitis. Emergency care sometimes plays a decisive role in saving the patient's life. This disease is primarily classified according to such a sign as the presence or absence of stones. So, in the first case we are talking about calculous, and in the second - non-calculous cholecystitis. Also, the pathology is classified by the degree of damage to the gallbladder:
- catarrhal cholecystitis - the gall bladder is much larger than normal, filled with liquid, and the walls are covered with mucus;
- phlegmonous - inflammation, accompanied by the formation of pus;
- gangrenous - the most severe type of cholecystitis, which is accompanied by tissue necrosis.
Causes of the disease
A number of factors can trigger a problem such as acute cholecystitis. Emergency care is largely determined by them. So, the prerequisites for the occurrence of the problem are as follows:
- the presence of calculi that impede the outflow of bile;
- inflection of ducts.
In turn, the following factors lead to these problems:
- surgical intervention;
- mechanical injuries;
- strict diet or starvation;
- problems in the digestive tract;
- atherosclerosis;
- improper exit from the diet (a sharp increase in the amount of food consumed);
- sepsis;
- biliary duct hypertension;
- neglected caries;
- overweight;
- age after 45 years;
- chronic infections.
Main symptoms
The symptoms of acute cholecystitis will help . Emergency care may be required if there are such external manifestations:
- sharp pains in the right hypochondrium (their intensity and frequency are constantly increasing);
- dry mouth and white plaque on the tongue;
- increase in body temperature up to 38 degrees;
- chills and sweating;
- bloating;
- nausea and vomiting;
- a feeling of bitterness in the mouth;
- yellow skin color;
- feeling of tiredness and powerlessness;
- heart palpitations;
- difficulties with orientation in space.
It is worth noting that these symptoms can also be characteristic of a number of other diseases in the acute form (pancreatitis, liver abscess, stomach ulcer, etc.), and not only for such a problem as acute cholecystitis. Emergency care is necessary if, when pressing on the area of the gallbladder, the pain intensifies significantly. A similar reaction is observed when tapping on a painful area during inspiration.
Acute cholecystitis: emergency care in the prehospital phase
The attack occurs absolutely suddenly and proceeds quite hard and for a long time. But do not count on an independent solution to such a problem as acute cholecystitis. An ambulance should be called immediately when the first signs appear. And before the arrival of doctors it’s worth taking such measures:
- first of all, you need to help the patient lie down and take a comfortable position (it is better that he lies on his right side);
- it is permissible to give the patient some non-carbonated mineral (or boiled) water or warm green tea;
- to slightly ease the course of the attack, under the right side you need to put a bag filled with ice.
It is worth noting that first aid for cholecystitis is quite limited. Not only inaction, but also rash manipulations can lead to irreparable consequences.
What can not be done
There are a number of taboos that characterize emergency care for acute cholecystitis. The algorithm should in no case include the following items:
- no matter how severe the pain, before the arrival of doctors, exclude the use of any analgesic drugs (they are unlikely to be able to stop an attack of acute cholecystitis, but it will be more difficult for doctors to make an accurate diagnosis);
- it is unacceptable to give the patient too hot or too cold a drink;
- In no case should you heat a sore spot (this, of course, can slightly relieve spasm, but, on the other hand, heat can serve as a catalyst for an attack).
Health care
Calling an ambulance is essential for a problem like acute cholecystitis. Emergency care at home is extremely limited. The main task of the medical team is to clarify the diagnosis (by studying the symptoms and palpation), as well as the relief of pain. So, a special antispasmodic mixture is administered intravenously. The drug allows you to temporarily ease the passage of bile through the ducts, as a result of which the symptoms become less pronounced. The next step will be the delivery of the patient to the hospital, where an examination will be carried out and subsequent treatment will be prescribed.
Treatment
After examination in a hospital, the patient is prescribed treatment. In the case of acute cholecystitis, it may include the following items:
- A strict diet (up to complete starvation), which lasts 1-2 days. Further, nutrition should be strictly limited and include mainly dairy and vegetable products, as well as lean meat.
- The systematic use of antispasmodic and painkillers, which are designed to normalize the state of the biliary tract and eliminate unpleasant symptoms. In especially severe cases, even narcotic drugs can be prescribed.
- With catarrhal cholecystitis, intramuscular administration of antibiotics is prescribed, which often leads to a complete recovery. As for the destructive form of the disease, this technique may turn out to be futile, because due to changes in the degenerative nature, blood circulation in the organ is impaired.
- Surgery may involve the removal of part of the gallbladder or the entire organ. Unfortunately, in most cases, this is a necessary measure, without which it is impossible to save the patient's life and complete recovery.
Preventative measures
It is difficult to argue that it is better to prevent the occurrence of diseases than to deal with their treatment later. Despite the fact that the main risk group for acute cholecystitis is women of large physique after 45 years, no one is safe from this problem. Therefore, it is worth paying enough attention to prevention, which implies the following:
- balanced nutrition, which includes a maximum of healthy products;
- timely treatment of infectious diseases (this applies not only to the digestive tract, but also to the respiratory system and other organs);
- regular visits to the dentist and treatment of caries;
- prevention of infection with intestinal parasites or their immediate elimination in the event of a problem);
- active lifestyle (be sure to do morning exercises, as well as walk as much as possible);
- good rest after a hard day;
- regular medical examination in order to identify the slightest deviations and immediately eliminate them.
Output
Acute cholecystitis is a dangerous problem that can manifest itself suddenly. It is extremely important to be able to provide first aid before the arrival of doctors, because the patient’s life may depend on this. No supernatural medical skills are required, because outside interference is not only inappropriate, but even dangerous.