What symptom does cholecystitis typically present with?

Cholecystitis typically presents with abdominal pain because it is an inflammation of the gallbladder, which is located in the upper right abdomen. This condition often leads to sudden onset of pain in this area, which may sometimes radiate to the back or right shoulder. The pain is usually severe and may be accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and fever.

Other symptoms like chest pain are more indicative of cardiac issues, joint pain is associated with musculoskeletal or autoimmune conditions, and headaches can stem from numerous causes unrelated to gallbladder dysfunction. Therefore, abdominal pain is the hallmark symptom that guides healthcare professionals toward considering cholecystitis in their differential diagnosis.