What is peritonitis?
Peritonitis is a redness and swelling (inflammation) of the tissue that lines your
belly or abdomen. This tissue is called the peritoneum. It can be a serious, deadly
What causes peritonitis?
Peritonitis is caused by an infection. Bacteria can enter the lining of your belly
from a hole in your GI (gastrointestinal) tract. This can happen if you have a hole
in your colon or a burst appendix.
Other causes of peritonitis include:
- A hole in your stomach, intestine, gallbladder, uterus, or bladder
- An infection during treatment for end-stage kidney (renal) disease (peritoneal dialysis)
- An infection of fluid in the belly from end-stage liver disease (cirrhosis)
- Pelvic inflammatory disease in women
- Surgery (if bacteria enter your belly during surgery)
What are symptoms of peritonitis?
Each person’s symptoms may vary. Symptoms may include:
- Severe belly pain that gets worse with any motion
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sore or swollen belly
- Fluid in the belly
- Not being able to have a bowel movement or pass gas
- Less urine than normal
- Trouble breathing
- Low blood pressure and shock
Peritonitis symptoms may look like other health problems. Always see your healthcare
provider to be sure.
How is peritonitis diagnosed?
It’s important to find out right away if you have peritonitis. It can lead to severe
health problems very quickly.
Your healthcare provider will look at your past health. He or she will give you a
Peritonitis is often diagnosed by analyzing a sample of the infected fluid taken from
the belly (abdomen).
Other tests for peritonitis may include:
- X-rays. Imaging tests that make pictures of your body’s tissues, bones, and organs.
- Blood, fluid, and urine tests. These tests are done to find out what is causing the infection.
- CT scans (computed tomography scans). These imaging tests use X-rays and computer technology to make pictures of the body.
CT scans show detailed images of any part of the body. This includes bones, muscles,
fat, and organs. They are more detailed than standard X-rays.
- MRI. This is an imaging test done with magnetic fields and radiofrequency energy.
- Surgery. If you are very ill, you may have surgery to find and remove what is causing the infection.
How is peritonitis treated?
It’s important to seek medical care right away. Peritonitis can lead to serious health
problems very quickly.
You will be admitted to a hospital. You will be given IV (intravenous) infection-fighting
medicines (antibiotics). These will treat the infection.
If you have organ failure, you may also be given other treatments.
Emergency surgery is often needed to find and remove what is causing the infection.
This is done when the infection may be caused by a surgically treatable cause such
- Redness and swelling (inflammation) of your appendix (appendicitis)
- An open sore in your stomach or intestine (perforated peptic ulcer)
- Swelling in small pouches in your colon (diverticulitis)
What are the complications of peritonitis?
Peritonitis can cause severe health problems. It can be deadly if not treated right
Peritonitis can make fluid fill up in your belly or abdomen. This can cause severe
fluid loss or dehydration.
If peritonitis isn’t treated the infection can quickly spread through your body. This
can create an extreme response from your infection-fighting system (immune system)
Sepsis is a fast-moving, serious condition. It happens when chemicals sent into your
bloodstream to fight the infection cause swelling (inflammation) over a large part
of your body. This can slow blood flow and hurt your organs.
Severe sepsis can cause your body to go into shock. It can lead to organ failure and
When should I call my healthcare provider?
Peritonitis can cause severe health problems. It can be deadly if not treated quickly.
Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any symptoms of peritonitis.
- Peritonitis is a redness and swelling (inflammation) of the lining of your belly or
abdomen. This lining is called the peritoneum.
- It is often caused by an infection from a hole in the bowel or a burst appendix.
- You must seek medical care right away.
- You will be admitted to a hospital. You will be given IV (intravenous) infection-fighting
medicines (antibiotics) to treat the infection.
- Peritonitis can lead to serious health problems. It can be deadly if not treated right
Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider:
- Know the reason for your visit and what you want to happen.
- Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.
- Bring someone with you to help you ask questions and remember what your provider tells
- At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis, and any new medicines, treatments,
or tests. Also write down any new instructions your provider gives you.
- Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed, and how it will help you. Also
know what the side effects are.
- Ask if your condition can be treated in other ways.
- Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results could mean.
- Know what to expect if you do not take the medicine or have the test or procedure.
- If you have a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that
- Know how you can contact your provider if you have questions.