[Health Tip] Excessive Dieting in Summer Causes Acute Cholecystitis

The photo is unrelated to the article content. [Image provided by Pixabay]

Choi (28), a resident of Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, started an intense diet in preparation for the summer vacation season. After undergoing a very low-calorie diet for two months, Choi lost 8 kg but suddenly experienced severe abdominal pain accompanied by a high fever. Having frequently suffered from indigestion, Choi initially thought it was a stomach cramp and rested, but as nausea, high fever, and abdominal pain worsened, he visited a hospital and was diagnosed with acute cholecystitis.

Rapid weight loss over a short period can trigger acute cholecystitis, so caution is necessary.

According to Korea University Anam Hospital on the 24th, when dieting, the movement of the gallbladder itself decreases compared to normal. Additionally, if one excessively controls their diet by avoiding high-fat foods and fasting for long periods, the bile concentration thickens, which can block bile flow or cause bile to accumulate in the gallbladder, leading to gallstones. These gallstones can block the cystic duct, the passage through which bile exits the gallbladder, causing inflammation that can worsen into acute cholecystitis.

Most cases of acute cholecystitis are caused by gallstones. The causes of gallstones are complex and involve various genetic and environmental factors, making it difficult to pinpoint an exact cause. The prevalence usually increases after age 40, but recently, the number of young patients developing gallstones due to excessive dieting has been rising.

The main symptoms of acute cholecystitis include severe abdominal pain, vomiting, high fever, and chills. In particular, severe pain in the upper right abdomen can be easily mistaken for stomach cramps or indigestion, and the pain can be intense enough to require an emergency room visit. If the gallbladder wall becomes necrotic or perforated, it can adhere to surrounding organs and spread into a severe condition.

Cholecystitis caused by gallstones is mostly treated through cholecystectomy. For treatment, it is best to remove the gallbladder as soon as possible if feasible. If the gallbladder is not removed, the remaining gallstones can cause recurrent pain and lead to complications such as jaundice or pancreatitis. Therefore, if symptoms appear, it is important to visit a hospital promptly and consult thoroughly with a doctor.

To prevent acute cholecystitis, avoiding overeating and maintaining regular meals are most important. Regular meals prevent bile from staying in the gallbladder for long periods, which can cause bile to harden into gallstones. Also, consuming a balanced diet rich in nutrients such as dietary fiber from vegetables is effective for prevention.

Professor Choi Yoo-jin of the Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery at Korea University Anam Hospital advised, "To prevent acute cholecystitis, regular meals and proper nutrition are most important, and excessive dietary dieting should be avoided. It is essential not to fast or binge eat and to maintain regular exercise. If you experience severe pain in the upper right abdomen accompanied by a high fever, you should visit a hospital promptly."

Professor Choi Yoo-jin, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Korea University Anam Hospital. [Photo by Korea University Anam Hospital]

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.