Cholecystitis refers to which medical condition?

Cholecystitis specifically refers to the inflammation of the gallbladder, which is a small pouch located beneath the liver that stores bile. Bile is a digestive fluid produced by the liver that helps break down fats in the digestive process. When the gallbladder becomes inflamed, it can lead to symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever, often due to the presence of gallstones or an infection.

Understanding this condition is crucial for EMTs, as they may encounter patients with signs of cholecystitis, requiring assessment and management strategies focused on stabilizing the patient's condition before transporting them to a medical facility. Recognizing the proper terminology and implications for cholecystitis can impact patient care decisions significantly.