Peritonitis is an infection of the lining of the belly (peritoneum). It causes pain and swelling inside the belly. It may also cause a fever.
It can happen from problems in the belly, such as a burst appendix. It can also happen after surgery or an injury to the belly. This can lead to an infection that is caused by bacteria.
This infection is serious and needs medical care right away. If the infection is not treated, it can quickly get worse and become life-threatening.
What are the signs?
Symptoms of peritonitis include:
Swelling of the belly, which may feel hard (rigid).
Severe pain and tenderness in the belly that may get worse when you move, cough, or press on the belly. The pain sometimes goes up into the shoulder.
Fever and chills.
A fast pulse.
Rapid breathing.
Confusion or feeling less alert.
Nausea and vomiting.
Diarrhea.
How is it treated?
Peritonitis is treated with antibiotics. If there is fluid in your belly, your doctor may do a procedure called paracentesis (say "pair-uh-sen-TEE-sus") to get a sample of the fluid. The fluid can be tested to help your doctor decide which antibiotics will work best to treat the infection. The test can also help find the cause of your symptoms.
You may have an ultrasound or a CT scan. This can help find out if there is damage to an organ in the belly. If there is damage, then you will likely need surgery to repair it. If your symptoms are severe, you may need surgery right away.
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and contact your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.
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Clinical Review Board All WebMD Ignite education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
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The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.
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