Peritonitis

Peritonitis is a serious condition, and it can actually lead to life-threatening complications if it isn’t managed rapidly.

Peritonitis

Peritonitis is an inflammation in the thin lining that covers the inside part of the abdomen, which is called the peritoneum.

Causes of peritonitis

Peritonitis might occur as a condition by itself, or it might be a result of another condition, and it mostly occurs due to a hole in an organ that’s located in the abdomen.

• Bacterial infections in the peritoneum.
• Appendicitis that might lead to the rupture of the appendix.
• Pancreatitis.
• Diverticulitis.
• Inflammatory bowel disease.
• Severe cholecystitis.
• Stomach ulcer.
• Ascites.
• Crohn’s disease.
• Liver cirrhosis.
• Pelvic inflammatory disease.
• Ruptured ectopic pregnancy.
• Traumatic injuries.
• Peritoneal dialysis.
• Digestive surgeries that might lead to an infection.
• Using feeding tubes.

Symptoms of peritonitis

• Severe and sharp abdominal pain.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Fever.
• Constipation or diarrhea.
• Swelling in the abdomen.
• Loss of appetite.
• Increased heartbeat.
• Shortness of breath.
• Extreme tiredness.
• Dehydration.
• Decreased amount of urine.
• Peritonitis can lead to very serious complications, especially sepsis, which is a life-threatening condition. Other complications might include electrolyte imbalance, hepatorenal syndrome, paralytic ileus, and abdominal adhesions that might cause bowel obstruction.

Diagnosis of peritonitis

• Blood tests.
• Imaging tests.
• A sample from the peritoneal fluid.

Treatment of peritonitis

• Antibiotics.
• Surgery in severe cases.