What Is Peritonitis Symptoms Causes Diagnosis Treatment and Prevention Everyday Health Menu NewslettersSearch Peritonitis What Is Peritonitis Symptoms Causes Diagnosis Treatment and Prevention By Cathy CassataMedically Reviewed by Sanjai Sinha, MD Reviewed: November 23, 2020 Medically Reviewed Peritonitis is a bacterial or fungal infection of the peritoneum, the thin, silklike membrane that lines your inner abdominal wall. The peritoneum protects the organs within your abdomen, such as your liver, stomach, and intestines. Most Recent in Peritonitis Gut Check Can Cookie Dough Really Harm Your Gut 5 Natural Ways to Manage Ulcerative Colitis Symptoms Early Research Reveals Key Player in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease See all in Peritonitis Signs and Symptoms of Peritonitis Numerous symptoms are linked to peritonitis, including: Cloudy dialysis fluidWhite flecks, strands, or clumps (fibrin) in the dialysis fluid Premature babies with necrotizing enterocolitis (underdeveloped organs) are at an increased risk of peritonitis. They may show the following signs and symptoms, which usually develop in the first two weeks after birth: Editor' s Picks Preterm babies are at a higher risk for this serious inflammatory disease, but researchers are working hard to catch it early and prevent it from developing in the first place.… Learn More Causes of Peritonitis Spontaneous peritonitis is most often caused by an infection in fluid that collects inside the abdomen. The fluid buildup tends to occur with advanced liver or kidney disease, and in people who are on peritoneal dialysis for kidney failure. It can also be due to inflammation, infection, or injury of the intestines.Secondary peritonitis occurs due to another condition in the body, such as an infection that spreads from the digestive tract caused by a Injuries like gunshot or knife wounds can also bring about the infection, as well as the use of dialysis catheters or feeding tubes. How Is Peritonitis Diagnosed If you’re on peritoneal dialysis, your doctor may be able to diagnose peritonitis simply by your signs and symptoms, particularly if you are experiencing cloudy dialysis fluid. If your doctor needs further confirmation or if the infection may be a result of other medical conditions, your doctor will most likely perform a physical exam of your abdomen to feel if it is unusually tender or firm. Your healthcare provider may also conduct one or more of these tests: Peritoneal fluid analysis is done by using a thin needle to take a sample of the fluid in your peritoneum. An elevated white blood cell count in the fluid may indicate an infection or inflammation, and a culture of the fluid may also indicate if bacteria are present. Duration of Peritonitis If you need further intervention, such as surgery, your doctor will discuss recovery time with you. Treatment and Medication Options for Peritonitis Once the cause of peritonitis is identified, treatment should begin immediately. If left untreated, peritonitis can lead to severe, life-threatening conditions. Treatment may include antibiotics to help fight the infection and keep it from spreading.Emergency surgery may be used to remove infected tissue, treat the underlying cause of the infection, and prevent the infection from spreading. This is done when the cause is Other treatments, such as pain medications, intravenous (IV) fluids, supplemental oxygen, and a Prevention of Peritonitis When peritonitis is associated with peritoneal dialysis, it is often caused by germs around the catheter that is used to remove waste from the body. If you’re receiving peritoneal dialysis, there are steps you can take to prevent peritonitis. These include:Frequent hand washing, especially before touching the catheterCleansing skin around the catheter daily with an antisepticWearing a surgical mask when dialysis fluids are exchangedStoring supplies in a sanitary areaYour doctor may prescribe antibiotics as a preventive measure if you have a history of peritonitis or have peritoneal fluid buildup as a result of a medical condition like liver Complications of Peritonitis Organ failure and death Research and Statistics How Many People Have Peritonitis Little research exists examining the total number of peritonitis cases that occur each year.Still, a 2014 Related Conditions of Peritonitis Certain conditions increase the risk of peritonitis, including necrotizing enterocolitis and being on peritoneal dialysis for kidney failure. Related Resources We Love Favorite Organizations for Information on Peritonitis Editorial Sources and Fact-Checking Peritonitis. 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