Peritonitis is a medical term that refers to the inflammation of the abdominal cavity. The inflammation of the peritoneum, the membrane lining the abdominal cavity, usually occurs as a result of bacteria spreading into the abdominal cavity. This condition requires emergency medical intervention and can lead to serious health problems. Peritonitis can manifest with symptoms such as abdominal pain, swelling, fever, nausea, and vomiting.
It is usually treated with surgical intervention, antibiotic therapy, and supportive measures. Peritonitis is also associated with inflamed fluid leaking from intra-abdominal organs and filling the abdominal cavity.
What Are the Symptoms of Peritonitis?
Peritonitis is a condition that occurs with the inflammation of the abdominal cavity and manifests itself with 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 requiring immediate medical intervention. In case of suspected peritonitis, a healthcare professional should be contacted immediately.
What Causes Peritonitis?
Peritonitis is a condition that usually occurs as a result of the spread of bacteria inside the abdomen into the abdominal cavity. This infection can generally be caused by the following:
Perforated Organs: When one of the organs inside the abdomen is perforated, its contents can leak into the abdominal cavity and lead to infection. For example, a perforated appendicitis or a perforated stomach ulcer.
Abdominal Surgeries: The risk of infection may increase, especially after undergoing abdominal surgery.
Intra-Abdominal Diseases: Certain intra-abdominal diseases, such as conditions like pancreatitis or diverticulitis, can trigger peritonitis.
Peritoneal Dialysis: The peritoneal dialysis method applied to individuals with chronic renal 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?
For the diagnosis of peritonitis, doctors use methods such as physical examination, blood tests, imaging tests, paracentesis, and laparoscopy. During the physical examination, tenderness and swelling in the abdominal region are evaluated. Blood tests are used to evaluate signs of infection and levels of inflammation.
Imaging tests can help show abnormalities and inflammation inside the abdomen. Paracentesis is used to evaluate signs of inflammation through a sample taken from the abdominal cavity. Laparoscopy, on the other hand, is a surgical procedure used to better view details inside the abdomen.
A combination of these methods helps confirm the diagnosis of peritonitis, and a prompt diagnosis ensures that appropriate treatment is started immediately. In suspected cases, it is important to contact a healthcare professional right away.
How is Peritonitis Treated?
Treatment of peritonitis usually requires urgent surgical intervention. Treatment methods include:
Surgical Intervention: Peritonitis generally requires emergency abdominal surgery aimed at cleaning the source of infection within the abdomen. During this operation, inflamed or infected organs and materials are removed.
Antibiotic Therapy: Following surgical intervention, broad-spectrum antibiotics are administered to him. This helps bring the infection under control and prevent its spread.
Fluid and Electrolyte Balance: Peritonitis typically causes fluid loss in the body, therefore his fluid and electrolyte balance is closely monitored. Intravenous fluid supplementation is provided 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 surgical intervention, and their general health status is monitored.