Peritonitis, Causes, Signs and Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment.

Peritonitis is inflammation of the peritoneum, the lining of the inner wall of the abdomen and cover of the abdominal organs.[2] Symptoms may include severe pain, swelling of the abdomen, fever, or weight loss.[2][3] One part or the entire abdomen may be tender.[1] Complications may include shock and acute respiratory distress syndrome.[4][5]

Causes include perforation of the intestinal tract, pancreatitis, pelvic inflammatory disease, stomach ulcer, cirrhosis, or a ruptured appendix.[3] Risk factors include ascites and peritoneal dialysis.[4] Diagnosis is generally based on examination, blood tests, and medical imaging.[6]

Treatment often includes antibiotics, intravenous fluids, pain medication, and surgery.[3][4] Other measures may include a nasogastric tube or blood transfusion.[4] Without treatment death may occur within a few days.[4] Approximately 7.5% of people have appendicitis at some point in time.[1] About 20% of people with cirrhosis who are hospitalized have peritonitis.[1]