Peritonitis is a disease which affects the peritoneum. It results in severe pain in the abdomen.

The peritoneum is a membrane which covers the abdominal cavity. Its job is to protect the stomach, intestines and other organs from infection. But sometimes, peritoneum itself becomes a victim of bacterial or fungal infection.

Symptoms of peritonitis

Some symptoms of peritonitis are

• Abdominal pain
• Swollen abdomen
• Fever
• Increase in pulse
• Thirst
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Inability to pass gas or stool
• Pale skin
• Electrolyte imbalance
• Breathing difficulties

Causes of peritonitis

There are three types of causes for peritonitis.

Primary causes: Diseases which cause liver damage result in build up of fluids in the abdomen. This fluid is susceptible to microbial infection. This type of peritonitis is also called spontaneous peritonitis.

Secondary causes:
Pancreatitis: If the bacteria spread outside the pancreas, it may result in peritonitis.
Diverticulitis: Infection in the digestive tract, in the form of pouches, may result in peritonitis if the pouches rupture and spill waste into the abdomen.
Crohn’s disease: Bowel inflammation is common in Crohn’s disease. If the bowel ruptures, it may cause peritonitis.
Trauma: Trauma or injury may cause bacteria from other parts of the body to enter the peritoneum. This may cause peritonitis.
Stomach ulcers, a ruptured appendicitis and a punctured colon can also cause peritonitis.

Tertiary causes: When your kidneys fail, dialysis is used to purify the blood. One of the ways to do this is to use the network tiny blood vessels in the abdomen to purify the blood. Peritonitis might occur if unhygienic practices are used in this process.

Diagnosis of peritonitis

Doctors usually ask you for your medical history to check if you have risk factors associated with peritonitis. Examination of blood and peritoneal fluid may be done. An x-ray may also be taken to check for holes in the gastrointestinal tract.

Treatment of peritonitis

Peritonitis is life threatening if left untreated. Doctors may prescribe antibiotics to control the infection, but surgery is usually necessary to treat peritonitis. Surgery is needed treat underlying cause of infection, to remove infected tissue and to prevent the infection from spreading.