Peritonitis

Need to know

• Symptoms of peritonitis icon plus

  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.

• Diagnosis icon plus

  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)

  
  If you're diagnosed with peritonitis, hospital treatment will be needed to clear up the infection.

• Potential treatment options icon plus

  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.