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Chapters

0:00 Introduction
1:08 Causes of Peritonitis
2:41 Symptoms of Peritonitis
3:20 Diagnosis of Peritonitis
4:17 Treatment of Peritonitis



Peritonitis is inflammation of the peritoneum, the lining of the inner wall of the abdomen and cover of the abdominal organs.[2] Symptoms may include severe pain, swelling of the abdomen, fever, or weight loss.[2][3] One part or the entire abdomen may be tender.[1] Complications may include shock and acute respiratory distress syndrome.[4][5]

Causes include perforation of the intestinal tract, pancreatitis, pelvic inflammatory disease, stomach ulcer, cirrhosis, or a ruptured appendix.[3] Risk factors include ascites and peritoneal dialysis.[4] Diagnosis is generally based on examination, blood tests, and medical imaging.[6]

Treatment often includes antibiotics, intravenous fluids, pain medication, and surgery.[3][4] Other measures may include a nasogastric tube or blood transfusion.[4] Without treatment death may occur within a few days.[4] Approximately 7.5% of people have appendicitis at some point in time.[1] About 20% of people with cirrhosis who are hospitalized have peritonitis.[1]