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Peritonitis


About this topic


You have a thin lining on all sides of your belly. It also covers many of the organs in your belly. If this thin lining becomes swollen and sore, you have peritonitis. You may have an infection as well. Peritonitis is a serious problem and can be dangerous if not treated. ‚  

What are the causes?


You have many germs in your bowels and other places in your body. Most often these are helpful. Peritonitis is caused when germs get in the belly and cause infection. Fluid from your stomach or gallbladder may also irritate your belly. You may have problems if you have a: ‚  
  • Hole in your stomach or bowel. This may be from a problem with your appendix, an ulcer, or an injury.
  • Feeding tube or dialysis tube
  • Part of your intestine dies. This is called necrotizing enterocolitis in babies who are born early.

What can make this more likely to happen?


  • Having extra fluid in your belly due to liver failure
  • Poor nutrition
  • Injury to the belly area
  • Health problems like appendicitis, diverticulitis, pancreatitis, Crohns disease
  • Being on peritoneal dialysis ¢ ˆ ’ a type of dialysis that uses a tube that goes into the belly area
  • Having a feeding tube

What are the main signs?


  • Belly is painful and tender
  • Fever and chills
  • Poor appetite
  • Upset stomach and throwing up
  • Very thirsty
  • Trouble having a bowel movement or no bowel movements
  • Not passing any gas
  • Not thinking clearly
  • Feeling dizzy
  • If on dialysis, fluid is cloudy

How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?


Your doctor will take your history. The doctor will look at your belly, check for tenderness, and see if it feels firm. ‚  
The doctor may order: ‚  
  • Lab tests
  • X-rays
  • CT scan
  • A fluid sample if you have fluid in your belly. This is called paracentesis.

How does the doctor treat this health problem?


Your doctor will work to treat any problems the infection is causing. You may need help with low blood pressure or help breathing. ‚  
Sometimes, you are not able to eat for a period of time and your doctor will give you nutrition through your I.V. You may need to have surgery or have a tube taken out if it is causing the infection. ‚  

What drugs may be needed?


The doctor may order drugs to: ‚  
  • Fight an infection
  • Help with pain
  • Keep up blood pressure
  • Give fluid

What problems could happen?


  • Abscess
  • Dead bowel tissue
  • Adhesions or scar tissue
  • Liver or kidney problems
  • Infection moves to the bloodstream
  • Shock

What can be done to prevent this health problem?


  • Wash your hands before you touch or care for a tube that goes in your belly. Take extra care with dialysis catheters or feeding tubes.
  • Clean the skin around your catheter daily
  • If you have liver disease and the fluid called ascites, you may get a drug to stop peritonitis from coming back.

Where can I learn more?


Better Health Channel ‚  
http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Peritonitis ‚  
NHS Choices ‚  
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/peritonitis/pages/introduction.aspx ‚  

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer


This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚  

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