PERITONITIS

 Basic information

description

Peritonitis is a serious inflammation of part or all of the lining of the abdominal cavity (peritoneum). The abdominal cavity contains such organs as the stomach, intestines, spleen, gallbladder, liver, appendix, kidneys, and pancreas.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Pain in one area of, or all through, the abdomen. Pain usually starts suddenly and becomes more severe with time. Pain may be cramp-like at first and then steady. The patient often prefers to lie quietly on the back because movement or pressure on the abdomen increases pain.
• Shoulder pain (sometimes).
• Chills and fever (often high).
• Dizziness and weakness.
• Rapid heartbeat and rapid breathing.
• Low blood pressure.
• Nausea and vomiting.

causes

The inflammation is a reaction to infection (most often), injury, or irritation of the abdominal lining. Primary (or spontaneous) peritonitis is rare. Secondary peritonitis is caused by other medical conditions.

risk increases with

• Infection inside the abdomen (e.g., appendicitis or bowel infection).
• Inflammation of the stomach, gallbladder, or pancreas.
• Penetrating injury to the abdominal wall, such as from a knife or bullet wound.
• Peptic ulcer.
• Pelvic inflammatory disease.
• Rupture of an ectopic pregnancy.
• Recent abdominal surgery.
• Bowel obstruction.
• Advanced liver disease.
• Hernia.
• Tuberculosis.
• Ovarian cyst or abscess.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

No specific preventive measures. Get medical treatment for any disorder that could lead to peritonitis.

expected outcomes

Usually curable with early diagnosis and treatment. Treatment delay and complications can be fatal. Outcome depends on age, length of illness, cause, and any pre-existing condition(s).

possible complications

• Shock.
• Blood poisoning (septicemia).
• Intestinal obstruction caused by adhesions (bands of scar tissue).
• Kidney or liver failure.

 diagnosis & treatment

general measures

• Your health care provider will do a physical exam and ask questions about your symptoms. Blood tests, x-rays, and other medical tests are usually done to help diagnose the underlying disorder.
• Hospital care is needed to treat this condition and any underlying disorder. You may require treatment for dehydration, breathing support, drugs injected into a vein (IV), blood transfusions, and surgery.
• Surgery may be needed to help diagnose the cause of the inflammation, and repair organ damage or injury.

medications

• Antibiotics to fight infection are usually prescribed.
• Pain relievers (sometimes) after diagnosis or surgery.

activity

Rest in bed, after treatment, until symptoms disappear. If surgery is needed, resume your activities gradually after surgery.

diet

While in the hospital, fluids and nutrients may be given through a vein. Oral feedings will resume when your system can tolerate them.

 notify our office if

• You or a family member has symptoms of peritonitis. This is an emergency! Early diagnosis and treatment of the underlying disorder are essential.
• Any new symptoms occur after treatment.

Special Notes: