Peritonitis

• Peritonitis; spontaneous
• Peritonitis; secondary
• Peritonitis; dialysis associated

Intraabdominal abscess ( abdominal abscess )--a collection of pus in the abdomen--may cause peritonitis; before peritonitis develops it can still cause symptoms that are similar or identical to peritonitis.

Prevention:
Prevention depends on the cause. See the specific types of peritonitis.

Symptoms:

• fluid in the abdomen
• inability to pass feces or gas
• abdominal distention
• abdominal pain
• abdominal tenderness
• distended abdomen
• fever
• low urine output
• nausea and vomiting
• point tenderness
• thirst

Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:

• cloudy dialysis fluid (if undergoing peritoneal dialysis )
• nausea & vomiting
• chills

Signs and Tests:
Examination of the abdomen typically shows tenderness. The abdomen may feel firm and "board-like" and there may be extensive "guarding" (protective movements such as curling up or refusal to allow the abdomen to be touched).

Treatment:
The cause must be identified and treated promptly.

Prognosis:
The outcome is often good with treatment, but can be poor without treatment. Sometimes the outcome is poor even with prompt and adequate treatment.

Complications:
Peritonitis can be life threatening.

Call Your Healthcare Provider:
GO TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM OR CALL YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER IF YOU HAVE SYMPTOMS OF PERITONITIS!