Conditions that can be mistaken for peritonitis are abdominal wall issues such as rectus infection or hematoma, retroperitoneal diseases such as pyelonephritis, pelvic pathology which is a condition that is caused by cystitis or urinary obstruction, diaphragmatic irritation that is caused by thoracic conditions like epyema, urinary tract infections and appendicitis.
The number one cause of peritonitis is a secondary infection that is caused by a hole or a rupture in an organ in your abdomen such as your colon or stomach.
Peritonitis can be caused by a burst appendix, a perforated stomach ulcer, a perforated intestinal ulcer from diverticulitis or inflammatory bowel disease, a ruptured tubo ovarian abscess from pelvic inflammatory disease or a result of a ruptured ectopic pregnancy.
One of the first signs of peritonitis is belly pain or tenderness and bloating or a feeling of fullness in your abdomen and fever.
The symptoms of early stage peritonitis include.
Confusion.
Feeling Tired.
Thirst.
Bloating or feeling full in your abdomen.
Difficulty passing stool or gas.
Reduced urine output.
Nausea and vomiting.
Loss of appetite.
Chills and fever.
Pain and tenderness or swelling in your abdomen.
Peritonitis is a condition that occurs when your abdominal cavity becomes inflamed and injured.
Symptoms of peritonitis can vary from person to person and peritonitis is often treated with surgery, drainage or even antibiotics.
The first indication of peritonitis are belly pain or tenderness and bloating or a feeling of fullness in your abdomen and fever.
Peritonitis is a life threatening condition and requires emergency treatment.
During peritonitis the tissue which lines your abdomen becomes infected or inflamed.
Peritonitis is usually caused by a bacterial infection although peritonitis can also be caused by irritating bodily fluids.
Bacteria can enter your peritoneum through a hole in your gastrointestinal tract like through a burst appendix or a hole in your colon.
Complications of peritonitis are acute respiratory distress syndrome, scar tissue in your peritoneum, abnormal blood clotting and sepsis.
Treatment for peritonitis requires hospitalization, antibiotics and sometimes surgery and if left untreated peritonitis can be fatal.