Peritonitis

What is peritonitis?

Peritonitis (pronounced pear-ih-tuh-NYE-tis) is an inflammation of the peritoneum. The peritoneum is the membrane that lines the wall of the abdomen and covers the abdominal organs.

Peritonitis is also called Acute abdomen.

Symptoms of Peritonitis

Some of the most common symptoms of peritonitis are:

• Abdominal pain
• Abdominal tenderness
• Abdominal distention
• Fever
• Low urine output
• Nausea and vomiting
• Point tenderness
• Thirst
• Fluid in the abdomen
• Inability to pass feces or gas

***If you have you have symptoms that may indicate peritonitis, please go to the hospital immediately. It is very important that you seek medical attention immediately.

What Causes Peritonitis?

Peritonitis can be caused by many different things. Some of the most common causes are: complication of kidney failure, complication of liver failure, the spread of infection from the digestive organs, and complications of peritoneal dialysis.

Types of Peritonitis

There are three main types of peritonitis:

Peritonitis - Spontaneous

Spontaneous peritonitis is an infection that occurs as a complication of the collection of fluid in the area that surrounds the liver and kidney. This usually occurs when there is liver or kidney failure.

Peritonitis - Secondary

Secondary peritonitis is an inflammation of the membrane linning the abdominal cavity that is caused by another condition. The most common condition that causes is it the spread of an infection from the digestive organs or bowels.

Peritonitis - dialysis associated

Dialysis associated peritonitis is an acute or chronic inflammation of the lining of the abdomenal cavity that occurs in people receiving peritoneal dialysis.

How is Peritonitis Treated?

In order to properly treat peritonitis, the cause must be determined. The treatment will depend on what caused it. Treatments will include surgery and antibiotics.

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