Peritonitis

The peritoneum is the lining of the inner abdominal wall. It serves as a protective covering for the abdominal organs. Peritonitis is a infection of the peritoneum, usually from bacteria.

Causes of Peritonitis

There are many causes of peritonitis. These may include:

Gastointestinal disorders such as diverticulitis or Crohn's disease.

A rupture of a stomach ulcer, the appendix, or a large intestine diverticulum

Perforations of an abdominal organ

Pancreatitis

Pelvic inflammatory disease or infection

Symptoms of Peritonitis

Since peritonitis may be a life-threatening condition, patients should be alert to its symptoms, especially after abdominal disease or injury, abdominal surgery, or when undergoing peritoneal dialysis. Symptoms of peritonitis may include:

Fever
Chills
Abdominal pain or bloating
Loss of appetite
Nausea
Thirst
Fatigue
Inability to pass stool or gas
Urinary retention

Dialysis patients should contact their health care providers if their peritoneal dialysis fluid shows any of the following signs of contamination:

Cloudiness
Contains white flecks
Contains clumps or strands
Odor

Diagnosis of Peritonitis

To diagnose peritonitis, a doctor will perform a review of systems and physical examination. Additional testing may include:

Blood tests
Imaging tests, such as X-rays or CT scans
Laboratory culture of peritoneal fluid
Exploratory surgery

Risks of Peritonitis

The most dangerous risk of peritonitis is sepsis and septic shock which require immediate intensive care. Sepsis occurs when the body mobilizes to attack systemic infection by releasing chemicals into the bloodstream. These chemicals can trigger inflammation throughout the body which may cause organ failure. If septic shock occurs, the patient's blood pressure may drop precipitously and may be life threatening.

Treatment of Peritonitis