Cholecystitis is a medical condition that refers to inflammation of the gallbladder. The gallbladder is a small organ located beneath the liver that stores bile, a digestive fluid produced by the liver. Cholecystitis typically occurs when bile flow is blocked by gallstones, which are small, hard deposits that form in the gallbladder. This blockage can lead to irritation and inflammation of the gallbladder, causing symptoms such as abdominal pain, tenderness, fever, nausea, and vomiting. Cholecystitis may be acute, meaning it occurs suddenly and is usually severe, or chronic, meaning it develops over time and may be recurrent. Treatment for cholecystitis may include medication for pain and inflammation, antibiotics if there is an infection, and in some cases, surgical removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy).