What is the medical term for the inflammation of the gallbladder?

The medical term for the inflammation of the gallbladder is cholecystitis. This condition often arises due to the presence of gallstones, which can block the cystic duct and lead to inflammation. Symptoms typically include severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes fever, indicating an acute inflammatory process.

Cholelithiasis refers specifically to the presence of gallstones themselves and does not denote inflammation. Hepatitis is the inflammation of the liver, and pancreatitis involves inflammation of the pancreas. While these conditions may involve the biliary system and the digestive process, they are distinct from cholecystitis, which is solely focused on the gallbladder. Understanding these terms is essential for recognizing and diagnosing abdominal conditions properly.