Which symptom is typically indicative of cholecystitis rather than pancreatitis?

• A. Costovertebral angle tenderness
• B. Pain after eating
• C. Epigastric pain
• D. Radiating back pain

Answer: (B)

The presence of pain after eating is a symptom typically indicative of cholecystitis. Cholecystitis often results from the inflammation of the gallbladder, which can be triggered by dietary factors, particularly fatty meals. Patients frequently report increased pain after consuming such meals due to the gallbladder's attempt to contract and excrete bile to aid digestion.

In contrast, pancreatitis primarily presents with epigastric pain that may be severe and can be associated with nausea and vomiting, but it is not specifically provoked by eating. Additionally, the other symptoms listed, such as costovertebral angle tenderness or radiating back pain, are more general and can occur in various abdominal conditions, including pancreatitis but are not defining characteristics of cholecystitis. Therefore, pain after eating serves as a more distinguishing symptom for cholecystitis compared to pancreatitis.