Peritonitis Treatment in Delhi, India

Peritonitis is a serious inflammation of the peritoneum, the thin layer of tissue that lines the inside of the abdomen and covers most of the abdominal organs. This condition can be life-threatening if it is not treated promptly. Peritonitis typically occurs due to infection or injury, and immediate medical attention is crucial for recovery.

Types of Peritonitis

There are several types of peritonitis, categorised based on their cause:

• Primary Peritonitis: This type is also known as spontaneous peritonitis. It often occurs in people with liver disease, such as liver cirrhosis, or in those undergoing peritoneal dialysis.
• Secondary Peritonitis: This type is usually caused by an infection from another source in the abdomen, such as a ruptured appendix, stomach ulcer, or diverticulitis.
• Tertiary Peritonitis: This type is a more severe, recurrent infection that occurs even after primary or secondary peritonitis treatment.

Symptoms of Peritonitis

Symptoms of peritonitis can vary but often include:

• Severe abdominal pain: Intense and constant pain in the abdomen, often worsening with movement or pressure, indicating serious inflammation.
• Abdominal tenderness or distension: Swollen, sensitive abdomen that may feel hard, signalling fluid buildup or inflammation.
• Fever and chills: Elevated body temperature with shaking chills, reflecting the body's response to infection.
• Nausea and vomiting: Feeling sick in the stomach and getting a sensation of nausea and vomiting, common reactions to abdominal irritation and infection.
• Fatigue and weakness: Persistent tiredness and lack of energy resulting from the body's effort to fight infection.

Causes of Peritonitis

Peritonitis can be caused by both chemical and infectious factors.

Chemical Causes

• Bile leakage: If bile leaks into the abdominal cavity, it can cause severe inflammation.
• Stomach acid leakage: A perforated stomach ulcer can release acid into the abdomen, leading to peritonitis.

Infectious Causes

• Bacterial infections: Bacterial peritonitis can occur when bacteria enter the peritoneum. This can happen due to a ruptured appendix, stomach ulcer, or diverticulitis.
• Peritoneal dialysis: People undergoing peritoneal dialysis for kidney failure are at increased risk of peritonitis due to potential infection from the dialysis process.
• Tuberculosis peritonitis: This is a form of peritonitis caused by the bacteria that cause tuberculosis.

How is Peritonitis Diagnosed?

Diagnosing peritonitis usually involves several steps:

• Medical history and physical examination: The doctor will review the patient's medical history and perform a physical exam to check for signs of peritoneal irritation.
• Blood tests: These can help detect infection or inflammation.
• Imaging tests: X-rays, CT scans, or ultrasounds help identify the cause and extent of the inflammation.
• Peritoneal fluid analysis: If the patient is undergoing peritoneal dialysis, a sample of the dialysis fluid may be examined for signs of infection.

What is the Treatment for Peritonitis?

Treatment for peritonitis usually involves:

• Antibiotics: These medications are used to address the root cause of the infection. The specific antibiotics prescribed will vary based on the origin and intensity of the infection.
• Surgery: In some cases, surgery is required to remove infected tissue, repair any damage, or treat the underlying cause of the peritonitis, such as a ruptured appendix or perforated ulcer.
• Peritoneal dialysis management: For patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis, temporary discontinuation or switching to hemodialysis may be necessary to allow the infection to heal.

Possible Complications of Peritonitis

Peritonitis can lead to serious complications if not treated promptly, including:

• Sepsis: A severe, life-threatening response to infection that can lead to organ failure.
• Abscess formation: Pockets of pus can form in the abdomen, requiring drainage.
• Adhesions: Bands of scar tissue can form, causing organs to stick together and potentially leading to bowel obstruction.

Can You Prevent Peritonitis?

Preventing peritonitis involves addressing risk factors and maintaining good health practices:

• Proper hygiene: Following strict hygiene protocols can reduce the risk of infection for individuals undergoing peritoneal dialysis.
• Prompt medical care: Seeking immediate medical attention for abdominal pain or suspected infections can help prevent the condition.
• Managing chronic conditions: Proper management of conditions like liver disease or kidney failure can lower the risk of developing peritonitis.

Outlook

Peritonitis is a severe condition requiring immediate medical attention to prevent life-threatening complications. Early diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics or surgery are essential. Preventative measures, including good hygiene and managing chronic conditions, can reduce the risk of developing peritonitis and ensure better health outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between sepsis and peritonitis?

Peritonitis involves inflammation of the peritoneum, whereas sepsis is a severe and widespread response to infection that may result in organ failure and death. If the infection spreads, peritonitis can lead to sepsis.

What does peritonitis pain feel like?

Peritonitis pain is typically severe and constant, often worsening with movement or touch. The abdomen may feel tender and hard.

What is the survival rate of peritonitis?

The survival rate varies based on the cause and promptness of treatment. Early treatment significantly improves outcomes, but severe or untreated peritonitis can be fatal.

Can peritonitis be cured?

Yes, with prompt and appropriate treatment, peritonitis can be cured. Treatment typically involves antibiotics and, in some cases, surgery.

Why is peritonitis common in females?

Peritonitis can be more common in females due to certain gynaecological conditions, such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can increase the risk of infection spreading to the peritoneum. Additionally, peritoneal dialysis, a common treatment for kidney failure, may also pose a higher risk for females.

Review

Reviewed by Dr. Brajendra Prasad Singh - Associate Director - Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Endoscopy on 9 Aug 2024.