Learning About Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis

What is spontaneous bacterial peritonitis?

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is an infection of the fluid that builds up in the belly. It causes pain and swelling inside the belly. It may also cause a fever. Sometimes there are no symptoms.

This infection most often occurs in people with other health problems that cause fluid to build up in the belly. These can include cirrhosis, kidney failure, heart failure, and some cancers. Sometimes the fluid builds up without a clear cause.

This infection is serious and needs medical care right away. If it is not treated, the infection can quickly get worse and be life-threatening. Most people can be treated with antibiotics and get better.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms of SBP 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?

The infection is usually treated with antibiotics. Your doctor may do a procedure called paracentesis (say "pair-uh-sen-TEE-sus") to get a sample of fluid from your belly. The fluid can be tested to help find the cause of your symptoms. It can also help your doctor decide which medicines will work best to treat the infection. Paracentesis also drains the fluid to relieve belly pressure or pain.

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.