Peritonitis

This article is about the human condition. For peritonitis in cats, see Feline infectious peritonitis.
Not to be confused with Periodontal disease.
Peritonitis
Other namesSurgical abdomen, acute abdomen[1]
Peritonitis from tuberculosis
Pronunciation
SpecialtyEmergency medicine, general surgery
SymptomsSevere pain, swelling of the abdomen, fever[2][3]
ComplicationsSepsis (sepsis is likely if not quickly treated), shock, acute respiratory distress syndrome[4][5]
Usual onsetSudden[1]
TypesPrimary, secondary, tertiary, generalized, localized[1]
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[1]

Peritonitis is inflammation of the localized or generalized peritoneum, the lining of the inner wall of the abdomen and cover of the abdominal organs.[2] Symptoms may include severe pain, swelling of the abdomen, fever, or weight loss.[2][3] One part or the entire abdomen may be tender.[1] Complications may include shock and acute respiratory distress syndrome.[4][5]

Causes include perforation of the intestinal tract, pancreatitis, pelvic inflammatory disease, stomach ulcer, cirrhosis, a ruptured appendix or even a perforated gallbladder.[3] Risk factors include ascites (the abnormal build-up of fluid in the abdomen) and peritoneal dialysis.[4] Diagnosis is generally based on examination, blood tests, and medical imaging.[6]

Treatment often includes antibiotics, intravenous fluids, pain medication, and surgery.[3][4] Other measures may include a nasogastric tube or blood transfusion.[4] Without treatment death may occur within a few days.[4] About 20% of people with cirrhosis who are hospitalized have peritonitis.[1]

  1. ^ a b c d e f Ferri, Fred F. (2017). Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2018 E-Book: 5 Books in 1. Elsevier Health Sciences. pp. 979–980. ISBN 9780323529570. Archived from the original on 2020-10-08. Retrieved 2020-08-24.
  2. ^ a b c "Peritonitis - National Library of Medicine". PubMed Health. Archived from the original on 2016-01-24. Retrieved 22 December 2017.
  3. ^ a b c d e f "Peritonitis". NHS. 28 September 2017. Archived from the original on 31 December 2017. Retrieved 31 December 2017.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h "Acute Abdominal Pain". Merck Manuals Professional Edition. Archived from the original on 13 July 2018. Retrieved 31 December 2017.
  5. ^ a b "Acute Abdominal Pain". Merck Manuals Consumer Version. Archived from the original on 13 July 2018. Retrieved 31 December 2017.
  6. ^ a b "Encyclopaedia : Peritonitis". NHS Direct Wales. 25 April 2015. Archived from the original on 31 December 2017. Retrieved 31 December 2017.