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Peritonitis
INFLAMMATION OF THE WALLS OF THE ABDOMEN CAUSES AND SYMPTOMS
HCA UK experts talk you through the main symptoms of peritonitis and explain why it’s important to be treated quickly
About peritonitis
The peritoneum is the inner lining of the abdomen. When this becomes infected, it causes peritonitis which means inflammation. This can rapidly spread around the body infecting other organs covered by this lining, such as the kidneys, liver and bowel.
Need to know
Common causes of peritonitis include:
- a burst stomach ulcer or a burst appendix
- digestive problems, such as Crohn's disease or diverticulitis
- pelvic inflammatory disease
- pancreatitis
- surgery
- injury to the stomach
- cirrhosis
If you notice any of the following symptoms of peritonitis it’s important to see your GP immediately, or go to A&E:
- sudden tummy pain that gets worse when you touch it
- a high temperature of 38°C or above
- rapid heartbeat
- difficulty urinating, or peeing much less than normal
Other symptoms include a lack of appetite, swollen tummy, feeling sick and vomiting.e
If you experience any of the symptoms, it’s important to see a GP or consultant quickly as serious complications like sepsis can happen if the infection spreads. If it’s left untreated, peritonitis can even be life-threatening.
In order to diagnose peritonitis, your consultant may carry out one or more of the following tests:
- blood test
- x-ray or ultrasound
- fluid analysis (taking a fluid sample from the peritoneum using a thin needle)
Treatment usually involves up to two weeks of antibiotics given via a needle into the vein. If the infection was caused by peritoneal dialysis (kidney failure treatment), antibiotics may be injected directly into the peritoneum (lining of your tummy).
If the infection has made serious damage to the stomach lining, you may need surgery to remove it.
Some people develop abscesses in the lining. These are drained with a needle using a local anaesthetic.
It’s common to have problems digesting food, so you may need a feeding tube. This will be either passed into your stomach through your nose, or placed inside your stomach using keyhole surgery.
Our Peritonitis locations
The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ London
The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road, SW1W 8RH London
The Shard Outpatients
The Shard, 32 St Thomas Street SE1 9BS London
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Wellington Hospital
8A Wellington Place NW8 9LE London
Patient stories
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Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David's gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.