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Kapuso actress and TV host Chynna Ortaleza revealed on December 29, 2019, that she suffered from Chronic Cholecystitis and had her gallbladder surgically removed. But what exactly is Chronic Cholecystitis?

Chynna Ortaleza showing her wounds after undergoing cholecystectomy | Source: chynsortaleza (IG)

What is Chronic Cholecystitis?

According to Harvard Health Publishing, Cholecystitis is the inflammation of the gallbladder, a small sac-like organ located in the upper right side of the abdomen, just below the liver.

The gallbladder's main function is to store bile, a fluid that helps the body break down fats from the food you eat. And, sometimes some people develop rock-like deposits in their gallbladder called gallstones.

Cholecystitis happens when these gallstones block the cystic duct and cause inflammation of the gallbladder.

Causes

According to Cleveland Clinic, there are several factors that contribute to a person's chances of developing gallstones, such as:

1) Genetic predisposition
2) Weight
3) Gallbladder activity
4) Dietary habits

Plus, there are also other non-gallstones-related causes of Chronic Cholecystitis, namely:

1) Infection of the common bile duct (CBD) drainage system
2) CBD blockage
3) Excess cholesterol in the gallbladder (most likely to happen during pregnancy or after rapid weight loss)
4) Decreased blood supply to the gallbladder because of diabetes
5) Tumors in the liver or pancreas
6) Tumors in the gallbladder, which are rare

Symptoms

Chronic Cholecystitis can strike suddenly or develop slowly over a period of years. Symptoms can most likely manifest after consuming a high-fat meal. Some of its symptoms include:

1) Severe abdominal pains
2) Abdominal cramping and bloating
3) Pain that extends to your back or below your right shoulder blade
4) Fever
5) Chills
6) Nausea
7) Vomiting
8) Loose, light-colored stools
9) Jaundice (When your skin and the whites of your eyes turn yellow)
10) Itching

Treatment

There are a few treatment options for Chronic Cholecystitis, including the following:

1) Taking antibiotics to fight infection

2) Oral dissolution therapy using medications to help dissolve gallstones (this is typically a last resort, reserved for individuals who cannot undergo surgery)

3) Pain relievers for controlling pain during treatment

4) Cholecystectomy or the surgical removal of the gallbladder (often performed in chronic cases)

Cholecystectomy is a generally safe outpatient procedure that is nowadays done laparoscopically, or by inserting small surgical tools through small incisions in your abdomen.

Prevention

Harvard Health Publishing advises those who have a higher risk of forming gallstones to watch their weight and avoid a high-fat diet.

Learn more about Chronic Cholecystitis through the personal experience of Chynna Ortaleza, which she shared in this Kapuso Showbiz News exclusive.

Sources:
https://www.health.harvard.edu/a_to_z/cholecystitis-a-to-z
https://www.healthline.com/health/chronic-cholecystitis#prevention

For more lifestyle content, head out to GMA's Lifestyle page.

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