Peritonitis

inflammation of the peritoneum, the lining of the inner wall of the abdomen

Peritonitis is inflammation of the peritoneum, the lining of the inner wall of the abdomen and cover of the abdominal organs.[1] If left untreated, it can be life threatening.

Peritonitis
Other namesSurgical abdomen, acute abdomen[2]
Peritonitis from tuberculosis
Pronunciation
Medical specialtyEmergency medicine, general surgery
SymptomsSevere pain, swelling of the abdomen, fever[1][3]
ComplicationsSepsis (sepsis is likely if not quickly treated), shock, acute respiratory distress syndrome[4][5]
Usual onsetSudden[2]
TypesPrimary, secondary, tertiary, generalized, localized[2]
CausesPerforation of the intestinal tract, pancreatitis, pelvic inflammatory disease, cirrhosis, ruptured appendix[3]
Risk factorsAscites, peritoneal dialysis[4]
Diagnostic methodExamination, blood tests, medical imaging[6]
TreatmentAntibiotics, intravenous fluids, pain medication, surgery[3][4]
FrequencyRelatively common[2]

Symptoms

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Signs and symptoms may include:

There may also be swelling in the abdomen, feeling or being sick, and a loss of appetite.[3]

If peritonitis happens while kidney dialysis treatment is being used, the fluid in the collection bag might look cloudier than usual or contain white flecks.[3]

Causes

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Include:[3]

The lining of the stomach (peritoneum) covers internal organs like the kidneys, liver and bowel. If the lining becomes infected and you get peritonitis, the internal organs it covers can also be damaged.

Treatment

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After a peritonitis diagnosis, treatment in hospital is needed to get rid of the infection.Treatment usually involves being given antibiotics into a vein (intravenously).[3]

If regular kidney dialysis is ongoing, a doctor might discuss a different way of doing it until the peritonitis has been treated.[3]


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References

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  1. 1.0 1.1 "Peritonitis - National Library of Medicine". PubMed Health. Retrieved 22 December 2017.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Cite error: The named reference Fer2018 was used but no text was provided for refs named (see the help page).
  3. 3.00 3.01 3.02 3.03 3.04 3.05 3.06 3.07 3.08 3.09 3.10 3.11 "Peritonitis". NHS. 28 September 2017. Retrieved 31 December 2017.
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 Cite error: The named reference Mer2017Pro was used but no text was provided for refs named (see the help page).
  5. 5.0 5.1 "Acute Abdominal Pain". Merck Manuals Consumer Version. Retrieved 31 December 2017.
  6. Cite error: The named reference NHS2015Wales was used but no text was provided for refs named (see the help page).