Peritonitis Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Peritonitis is inflammation of the peritoneum. The peritoneum is a membrane that lines the inner abdominal wall and covers the organs in the abdomen.
This condition generally arises as a result of a bacterial or fungal infection. Peritonitis can occur as a result of a perforation in the abdomen or as a complication of another medical condition.
Peritonitis requires immediate medical attention to treat the infection and treat the underlying medical condition. Treatment of peritonitis generally involves administering antibiotics, and in some cases, surgery.
If left untreated, peritonitis can cause severe infections throughout the body. This can be life-threatening for people who experience it.
Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of peritonitis that sufferers commonly complain of can include:
- Abdominal pain
- A feeling of fullness or bloating in the abdomen
- Fever
- Nausea and vomiting
- Decreased appetite
- Diarrhea
- Low amount of urine
- Feeling thirsty
- Difficulty having a bowel movement or passing gas
- Feeling tired
Reason
Peritonitis or infection of the peritoneum can occur due to various reasons. In most cases, the cause is a perforation in the abdominal wall. Although rare, this condition can occur without abdominal rupture, which is known as spontaneous peritonitis.
Some of the most common causes of rupture leading to peritonitis are:
- Medical procedures, such as peritoneal dialysis. Peritoneal dialysis is a procedure that uses a catheter tube to remove waste products from the blood when the kidneys are no longer able to perform their functions.
Infection can occur during peritoneal dialysis as a result of an unclean environment, poor hygiene, or contaminated equipment. Peritonitis can also occur as a complication of gastrointestinal surgery.
- Rupture of the appendix, injury to the stomach, or perforation of the large intestine. These various medical conditions can cause bacteria to enter the peritoneum through gaps in the digestive tract.
- Pancreatitis. Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas. If this condition develops complications and the bacteria spread beyond the pancreas, infection of the peritoneum can occur.
- Diverticulitis. Infection of several small sacs found in the digestive tract, which is known as diverticulitis, can cause peritonitis if one of these sacs ruptures and waste products from the intestine escape into the abdominal cavity.
- traumatized Injury or trauma can cause peritonitis because it makes it easier for bacteria or chemicals to enter the peritoneum from other parts of the body.
Several factors that can increase the risk of developing peritonitis are:
- Peritoneal dialysis. Peritonitis can occur in people undergoing peritoneal dialysis therapy.
- Certain medical conditions. Several medical conditions are known to increase the risk of peritonitis, including liver damage, appendicitis, pancreatitis, and diverticulitis.
- Prior history of peritonitis. Someone who has had peritonitis before has a higher risk of experiencing peritonitis again than someone who has never experienced it.
Diagnosis
To determine the diagnosis of peritonitis, the doctor can conduct a detailed medical interview and direct physical examination. If the peritonitis that occurs is related to peritoneal dialysis, then the existing signs and symptoms, especially the presence of cloudy dialysis fluid, can be one of the signs to diagnose peritoneal dialysis.
In cases where peritonitis occurs due to other medical conditions (secondary peritonitis) or infection occurs due to accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity (spontaneous peritonitis), the doctor may recommend carrying out several tests:
- Blood test. A blood sample may be taken and sent to a laboratory to check for an elevated white blood cell count. Blood cultures may also be done to determine the presence of bacteria in the blood.
- Imaging examination. Doctors can use X-rays to see any holes or perforations in the digestive tract. Ultrasound (USG), computerized tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tests may also be performed.
- Peritoneal fluid analysis. Doctors can take samples of peritoneal fluid using a thin needle, especially in people who are undergoing peritoneal dialysis or have fluid buildup in the abdomen due to liver disease.
The results of this search can show an increase in white blood cells, which can indicate an infection or inflammation. Cultures of the fluid may also show the presence of bacteria.
Handling
Often, a person with peritonitis will require hospitalization. Treatment for peritonitis includes:
- Antibiotics. Doctors can prescribe antibiotic treatment to treat the infection and prevent the spread of germs. The type and duration of antibiotic therapy depends on the severity of the condition and the type of peritonitis experienced.
- Surgery. Surgical procedures are generally needed to remove infected tissue, treat the underlying cause of the infection, and prevent the spread of the infection, especially when the peritonitis is caused by a ruptured appendix, stomach, or large intestine.
- Other handling. Depending on the signs and symptoms experienced, treatment while in hospital may include pain medication, intravenous fluids given through a vein, supplemental oxygen, and if needed, blood transfusions.
Prevention
Often, the peritonitis associated with peritoneal dialysis is caused by germs present around the catheter. If an individual is on peritoneal dialysis, it is advisable to take the following steps to prevent peritonitis from occurring:
- Wash hands thoroughly, including the area under the nails and between the fingers, before touching the catheter.
- Clean the skin around the catheter with an antiseptic every day.
- Store tools in a clean area.
- Discuss with the dialysis care team about how to care for peritoneal dialysis catheters.