Peritonitis is a medical term for inflammation of the abdominal cavity. Inflammation of the peritoneum, the lining of the abdomen, is usually caused by the spread of bacteria into the abdominal cavity. This condition requires urgent medical attention and can lead to serious health problems. Peritonitis can present with symptoms such as abdominal pain, swelling, fever, nausea and vomiting.
It is usually treated with surgery, antibiotic therapy and supportive measures. Peritonitis is also associated with inflammatory fluid leaking from intra-abdominal organs and filling the abdominal cavity.
What are the Symptoms of Peritonitis?
Peritonitis is a condition caused by inflammation of the abdominal cavity and is characterized by various symptoms. These symptoms may include:
- Severe abdominal pain,
- Abdominal tenderness and swelling,
- High fever
- Rapid pulse,
- Nausea and vomiting,
- Diarrhea or constipation,
- Loss of appetite,
- General weakness and fatigue.
These symptoms may indicate a serious condition that requires urgent medical attention. If peritonitis is suspected, a health professional should be contacted immediately.
What Causes Peritonitis?
Peritonitis is a condition that usually occurs when bacteria in the abdomen spread into the abdominal cavity. This infection can usually be caused by
Perforated Organs: When one of the organs inside the abdomen is punctured, its contents can leak into the abdominal cavity and lead to infection. For example, a punctured appendix or a punctured stomach ulcer.
Abdominal surgeries: The risk of infection can increase, especially after previous abdominal surgery.
Intra-abdominal Diseases: Some intra-abdominal diseases, such as pancreatitis or diverticulitis, can trigger peritonitis.
Peritoneal Dialysis: Peritoneal dialysis for people with chronic kidney failure can increase the risk of infection.
Intraperitoneal Drug Injections: In some cases, drugs injected into the abdomen can cause infection.
How is peritonitis diagnosed?
Doctors use methods such as physical examination, blood tests, imaging tests, paracentesis and laparoscopy to diagnose peritonitis. During a physical examination, tenderness and swelling in the abdomen are evaluated. Blood tests are used to assess signs of infection and levels of inflammation.
Imaging tests can help show abnormalities and inflammation inside the abdomen. Paracentesis is used to assess signs of inflammation through a sample taken from the abdominal cavity. Laparoscopy is a surgical procedure used to better see details inside the abdomen.
A combination of these methods helps to confirm the diagnosis of peritonitis and a rapid diagnosis ensures that appropriate treatment can be started immediately. In cases of suspicion, it is important to contact a health professional immediately.
How is peritonitis treated?
Treatment of peritonitis usually requires immediate surgical intervention. Treatment methods include the following:
Surgical Intervention: Peritonitis usually requires emergency abdominal surgery aimed at clearing the source of infection inside the abdomen. During this operation, inflamed or infected organs and materials are removed.
Antibiotic Treatment: After surgery, the patient is given broad-spectrum antibiotics. This helps to control the infection and prevent it from spreading.
Fluid and Electrolyte Balance: Peritonitis usually causes fluid loss in the body, so the patient's fluid and electrolyte balance is closely monitored. Intravenous fluid supplements are administered if necessary.
Pain Management: Pain management is applied to control the pain that occurs after surgery.
Hospital Observation: Patients are closely observed in the hospital after surgery and their general health status is monitored.