What is peritonitis?
Peritonitis is inflammation of the peritoneum. Peritoneum is a silk-like membrane that lines your inner abdominal wall and covers the organs within your abdomen.
Peritonitis is usually a bacterial or fungal infection. Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis and secondary peritonitis are distinguished.
Peritonitis requires prompt medical attention to fight the infection and, if necessary, to treat any underlying medical conditions.
Peritonitis treatment usually involves antibiotics and, in some cases, surgery. Left untreated, peritonitis can lead to severe, potentially life-threatening infection throughout your body.
A common cause of peritonitis is peritoneal dialysis therapy. If you're receiving peritoneal dialysis therapy, you can help prevent peritonitis by following good hygiene before, during and after dialysis.
Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of peritonitis include:
- Abdominal pain or tenderness;
- Bloating or a feeling of fullness in your abdomen;
- Fever;
- Nausea and vomiting;
- Loss of appetite;
- Diarrhea;
- Low urine output;
- Thirst;
- Inability to pass stool or gas;
- Fatigue;
- Confusion;
If you're receiving peritoneal dialysis, peritonitis symptoms may also include:
- Cloudy dialysis fluid;
- White flecks, strands or clumps (fibrin) in the dialysis fluid;
Causes
Infection of the peritoneum can happen for a variety of reasons. In most cases, the cause is a rupture (perforation) within the abdominal wall.
Common causes of ruptures that lead to peritonitis include:
- Peritoneal dialysis;
- A ruptured appendix, stomach ulcer or perforated colon;
- Pancreatitis;
- Diverticulitis;
- Trauma;
Source:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/peritonitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20376247
