Symptoms of Peritonitis
Peritonitis, characterized by inflammation of the peritoneum—the membrane lining the abdominal wall—presents with several severe symptoms that can progress rapidly. A key sign of peritonitis is intense abdominal pain that often worsens with palpation or movement. It is important to note that some patients, particularly those with liver cirrhosis, may not exhibit noticeable symptoms. Prompt emergency medical attention is essential if any signs of peritonitis are observed, as it can lead to serious health complications, including shock, sepsis, and internal bleeding. Common symptoms indicative of peritonitis include:
- Fever.
- Chills.
- Fatigue and malaise.
- Diarrhea.
- Constipation.
- Increased heart rate.
- Respiratory distress.
- Nausea and vomiting.
Causes of Peritonitis
The causes of peritonitis can be categorized into two primary types: spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP), which results from bacterial infection in the fluid within the abdominal cavity, often related to liver or kidney failure, and secondary peritonitis, which occurs due to the spread of infection from the gastrointestinal tract to the abdominal cavity. Additional potential causes of peritonitis include:
- Trauma or injury to the abdomen.
- Stomach ulcers.
- Ruptured appendix.
- Pancreatitis.
- Colon perforation.
- Various liver diseases.
- Pelvic inflammatory disease.
- Crohn’s disease.
Treatment for Peritonitis
Several therapeutic options are available for addressing peritonitis, which a physician may consider, including:
- Supportive care: This may range from intensive life support systems to nutritional assistance.
- Antibiotics: Intravenous antibiotics are commonly administered, typically beginning with a broad-spectrum antibiotic until laboratory results indicate the specific bacteria responsible for the infection, after which targeted antibiotics may be used.
- Surgery: In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to address the underlying cause of the inflammation, such as repairing a perforated intestine or removing damaged tissue from the peritoneum.