Peritonitis
Peritonitis is an inflammation (irritation) of the peritoneum. This is the thin tissue that lines the inner wall of the abdomen and covers most of the abdominal organs.
Causes
Peritonitis is caused by a collection of blood, body fluids, or pus in the belly (abdomen).
Abdomen
An abdominal abscess is a pocket of infected fluid and pus located inside the belly (abdominal cavity). This type of abscess can be located near or ...
One type is called spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP). It occurs in people with ascites. Ascites is the buildup of fluid in the space between the lining of the abdomen and the organs. This problem is found in people with long-term liver damage, certain cancers, and heart failure.
Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis
The peritoneum is the thin tissue that lines the inner wall of the abdomen and covers most of the organs in the abdomen. Peritonitis is present when...
Ascites
Ascites is the build-up of fluid in the space between the lining of the abdomen and abdominal organs.
Peritonitis may be a result of other problems. This is known as secondary peritonitis. Problems that may lead to this type of peritonitis include:
Secondary peritonitis
The peritoneum is the thin tissue that lines the inner wall of the abdomen and covers most of the organs in the abdomen. Peritonitis is present when...
- Trauma or wounds to the belly
- Ruptured appendix
- Ruptured diverticula
Ruptured diverticula
Diverticula are small, bulging sacs or pouches that form on the inner wall of the intestine. Diverticulitis occurs when these pouches become inflame...
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article - Infection after any surgery in the belly
Symptoms
Your belly is very painful or tender. The pain may become worse when your belly is touched or when you move.
Your belly may look or feel bloated. This is called abdominal distention.
Abdominal distention
Abdominal bloating is a condition in which the belly (abdomen) feels full and tight. Your belly may look swollen (distended).
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleOther symptoms may include:
- Fever and chills
- Passing little or no stools or gas
- Excessive fatigue
- Passing less urine
Passing less urine
Decreased urine output means that you produce less urine than normal. Most adults make at least 500 milliliters of urine in 24 hours (a little over ...
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article - Nausea and vomiting
- Racing heartbeat
- Shortness of breath
Exams and Tests
Your health care provider will perform a physical exam. The abdomen is usually tender. It may feel firm or board-like. People with peritonitis usually curl up or refuse to let anyone touch the area.
Blood tests, x-rays, and CT scans may be done. If there is a lot of fluid in the belly area, your provider may use a needle to remove some and send it for testing.
CT scans
A computed tomography (CT) scan is an imaging method that uses x-rays to create pictures of cross-sections of the body. Related tests include:Abdomin...
Treatment
The cause must be identified and treated right away. Treatment typically involves surgery, antibiotics, or both.
Possible Complications
Peritonitis can be life threatening and may cause complications. These depend on the type of peritonitis.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Go to the emergency room or call 911 or the local emergency number if you have symptoms of peritonitis.
Reviewed By
Debra G. Wechter, MD, FACS, General Surgery Practice Specializing in Breast Cancer, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Bush LM, Levison ME. Peritonitis and intraperitoneal abscesses. In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 74.
Kuemmerle JF. Inflammatory and anatomic diseases of the intestine, peritoneum, mesentery, and omentum. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 128.
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