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What is peritonitis?
Peritonitis is inflammation of the tissue that lines your abdominal walls. This tissue is a thin, silky membrane called the peritoneum. It covers your stomach, liver and other organs in your abdomen, as well as the inner wall of the abdomen itself.
What causes peritonitis?
Peritonitis is usually caused by a bacterial infection.
Conditions where bacteria can reach your peritoneal lining and cause an infection include:
- a hole in your digestive tract, such as a burst appendix or perforated stomach (peptic) ulcer
- liver cirrhosis that leads to build-up of fluid in your abdomen (ascites), which may become infected
- end-stage kidney disease requiring peritoneal dialysis — the dialysis fluid in your abdomen can become infected
- pelvic inflammatory disease or ruptured ectopic pregnancy
- surgery on the organs in your abdomen
What are the symptoms of peritonitis?
The most common symptom of peritonitis is severe abdominal pain that gets worse with movement, so you feel that you want to lie very still.
Other symptoms you may experience include:
- fever
- a rigid (hard) abdomen
- inability to pass wind
- constipation
- nausea and vomiting
However, you might also have few or no symptoms.
How will I be diagnosed with peritonitis?
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, medical history and general health and carry out a physical examination. They may refer you for blood tests or imaging scans. In some cases, a sample of fluid will be removed from you abdomen and tested.
What treatment will I need for peritonitis?
If you are diagnosed with peritonitis, you will need to be hospitalised for treatment, often in an intensive care unit. You’re likely to need intravenous antibiotics. Depending on the nature of your peritonitis, you may also need treatment for the underlying cause, such as surgery to repair any ruptured organs.
