Definition
Peritonitis is inflammation of the peritoneum. This is the thin tissue that covers the inside of the abdomen. It also covers the outside of the intestines and other abdominal organs.
There are three types:
- Primary
- Secondary
- Dialysis-related
This health problem needs care right away. It can be deadly.
Causes
This health problem is caused by infection. Common causes are:
- Primary—fluid builds up in the belly and becomes infected due to health problems, such as cirrhosis of the liver .
- Secondary—bacteria enters the belly due to an injury or a health problem, such as a ruptured appendix.
- Dialysis-related—bacteria enters the peritoneal cavity during or after peritoneal dialysis to treat kidney disease
| Secondary Peritonitis |
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Risk Factors
Things that may raise the risk of this problem are:
- Trauma
- Problems with the way the body fights infection
- Blood in the abdomen
- A ruptured appendix
- Peptic ulcer
- Colitis
- Diverticulitis
- Gangrene of the bowel
- Pancreatitis
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Inflamed gallbladder
- Recent surgery
- Tubes or shunts in the abdomen
- Cortisone medicines
Symptoms
Problems may be:
- Belly pain that is worse when moving
- Bloating
- Constipation
- Fever
- Nausea and vomiting
- Lack of energy
- Lightheadedness
- Shortness of breath
- Fast heartbeat
- Passing less urine
Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done.
Blood tests will be done.
Fluid may be taken from the peritoneum for testing. This can be done with paracentesis .
Images may be taken of the abdomen. This can be done with x-rays .
Surgery may be done to look inside the abdomen. This can be done with laparotomy .
Treatment
The underlying cause will need to be treated. This may involve things like surgery to remove a ruptured appendix.
The goal of treatment is to ease inflammation. This can be done with antibiotics or antifungal medicine to treat infection.
RESOURCES
American College of Gastroenterology http://patients.gi.org
American Gastroenterological Association http://www.gastro.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES
Canadian Digestive Health Foundation http://www.cdhf.ca
Health Canada https://www.canada.ca
References
Marciano S, Díaz JM, et al. Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in patients with cirrhosis: incidence, outcomes, and treatment strategies. Hepat Med. 2019;11:13-22.
Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/spontaneous-bacterial-peritonitis. Accessed March 23, 2021.
Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP). Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/hepatic-and-biliary-disorders/approach-to-the-patient-with-liver-disease/spontaneous-bacterial-peritonitis-sbp. Accessed March 23, 2021.
Revision Information
- Reviewer: EBSCO Medical Review Board Daniel A. Ostrovsky, MD
- Review Date: 12/2020
- Update Date: 00/32/2021