is
Inflammation (often due to
Infection ) of the
Peritoneum , which is a two-layered
Serous Membrane covering both the surfaces of the organs that lie in the
Abdominal cavity and the inner surface of the abdominal cavity itself. Since it is frequently life-threatening, acute peritonitis is a
Medical Emergency . The
Prognosis for untreated peritonitis is very poor.
A major cause of bacterial peritonitis is internal perforation of the
Gastrointestinal Tract , contaminating the abdominal cavity with gastric contents and
Gut Flora , the
Bacteria that live in the digestive tract. Perforation may result as a complication of an
Intestinal Foreign Body ,
Colonic Diverticulum , or a ruptured
Appendix , a possible consequence of untreated acute
Appendicitis . The possibility of peritonitis is the reason why acute appendicitis warrants fast treatment (generally,
Appendectomy ), and other possible causes equally require
Laparotomy for inspection and treatment.
Patients with peritonitis are frequently in great pain and may present in the
Fetal Position with knees drawn up (this position reduces tension on abdominal muscles by compressing them). Since movement is painful, the abdomen is usually tender, and these patients may hold very still. The abdominal wall is usually rigid (Genuit and Napolitano, 2004). Pain may be localized or diffuse (Genuit and Napolitano, 2004). Patients may have
Nausea ,
Vomiting , and
Fever (All Refer Health).
