MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Peritonitis

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Peritonitis

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Alternative names Definition Causes, incidence, and risk factors Symptoms Signs and tests	Treatment Expectations (prognosis) Complications Calling your health care provider Prevention

Illustrations

Infant anatomy

Peritoneal sample

Abdominal organs

Gastroschisis repair - series

Alternative names Return to top

Acute abdomen

Definition Return to top

Peritonitis is an inflammation (irritation) of the peritoneum, the membrane that lines the wall of the abdomen and covers the abdominal organs.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top

Types of peritonitis include:

Intra-abdominal abscess (abdominal abscess) involves a collection of pus in the abdomen, which may cause peritonitis. Before peritonitis develops, the abscess may still cause symptoms similar or identical to peritonitis.

Symptoms Return to top

Abdominal pain or tenderness
Abdominal distention
Fever
Low urine output
Nausea and vomiting
Point tenderness
Thirst
Fluid in the abdomen
Inability to pass feces or gas

Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease include:

Cloudy dialysis fluid (if undergoing peritoneal dialysis)
Nausea and vomiting
Shaking chills
Signs of shock

Signs and tests Return to top

Examination of the abdomen typically shows tenderness. The abdomen may feel firm and "board-like" and there may be extensive "guarding" (protective movements such as curling up or refusal to allow the abdomen to be touched).

Blood tests and x-rays or CT scans may be ordered.

Treatment Return to top

The cause must be identified and treated promptly.

Treatment typically involves surgery and antibiotics. In cases associated with peritoneal dialysis, antibiotics may be infused through the dialysis catheter, but if the infection is severe, the catheter itself must often be removed.

Expectations (prognosis) Return to top

The outcome is often good with treatment, poor without treatment. Sometimes, however, the outcome is poor even with prompt and adequate treatment.

Complications Return to top

Peritonitis can be life-threatening and cause a number of different complications, depending on the type.

Calling your health care provider Return to top

Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if you have symptoms that may indicate peritonitis, as it is a medical emergency.

Prevention Return to top

Prevention depends on the cause. See the specific types of peritonitis.

Update Date: 7/15/2004

Updated by: Hebe Molmenti, M.D., Ph.D., Private Practice specializing in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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