Symptoms, Signs, and Causes of Peritonitis

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Peritoneum is a transparent serous membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and covers the abdominal organs (viscera). In anatomical descriptions, it supports the viscera and provides routes for vessels and lymph. It appears as a thin layer of tissue. When this layer is inflamed, peritonitis is described in medical sources as inflammation of the peritoneum often linked to infection or abdominal injury. It is characterized in literature as a serious condition within clinical classification systems.

Medical literature outlines symptoms observed in diagnosed cases of peritonitis. Loss of appetite is mentioned among commonly reported features. Because peritonitis involves the abdomen, pain in this region is frequently noted. The discomfort may intensify and limit activity, particularly with movement. Other described findings include fever, abdominal tenderness, and digestive disturbances such as vomiting or bowel changes.

Infection is presented as a principal underlying factor in peritonitis. Perforation of an organ (such as a burst appendix), external contamination, or abdominal injury are described contributors. Peritoneal dialysis and the presence of intra-abdominal devices have been mentioned among risk contexts in published studies.

Detection is discussed in clinical references as relying on examination and history. Sources describe abdominal guarding and heightened tenderness to touch as potential clues. Diagnostic tools cited include blood tests that assess inflammatory markers or white blood cell count, and imaging such as X-ray or other modalities to document intra-abdominal findings.

Prevention is not always feasible. Hospital protocols emphasize hygiene and aseptic technique in clinical care settings. Being treated for kidney disease, including dialysis, is discussed as a vulnerability factor in some cohorts. Research summaries note that recognition within clinical workflows is associated with differences in management metrics, without prescribing specific actions in this overview.

Complications described in medical literature include spread of severe infection to the bloodstream with systemic responses such as sepsis. Additional consequences can involve impaired organ function and prolonged recovery trajectories, as reported across case series.

Learn more about peritonitis at MedlinePlus.

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