What is peritonitis?
Peritonitis is an infection of the lining of the belly (peritoneum). It causes pain and swelling inside the belly. It may also cause a fever. It is a serious infection that needs medical care right away. If the illness is not treated, it gets worse fast and can become life-threatening.
What are the symptoms of peritonitis?
Symptoms of peritonitis include a belly that's swollen, hard, and tender. The belly pain may get worse when you move, cough, or press on the belly. You may also have a fever and chills. And you may feel confused or less alert. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
How is peritonitis diagnosed?
Your doctor will ask about your history and symptoms. If there is fluid in your belly, a thin needle may be used to take a sample of the fluid. This is then tested to help find out the cause of your symptoms. You may also have a CT scan or other imaging test.
How is peritonitis treated?
Peritonitis is treated with antibiotics. If there is damage to an organ in the belly, you will likely need surgery to repair the damage. If your symptoms are severe, you may need surgery right away.
How can you care for yourself when you have peritonitis from peritoneal dialysis?
- Take your antibiotics as directed. Do not stop taking them just because you feel better. You need to take the full course of antibiotics.
- Take steps to help prevent infections from your PD catheter.
- Keep your access site clean and dry. Check it every day for signs of infection.
- Keep the end of your catheter covered when it is not in use.
- Always wash your hands before you touch your catheter.
- Avoid swimming and bathing unless your dialysis team has told you it is okay. Always clean and dry your catheter and access site right away after you get wet.
- Follow your doctor's instructions for showering.
Peritonitis from peritoneal dialysis: When to call
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- You passed out (lost consciousness).
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- Your belly is bloated or swollen. It may feel hard (rigid).
- You have severe pain and tenderness in the belly that may get worse when you move, cough, or press on the belly. The pain sometimes goes up into the shoulder.
- You have fever and chills.
- You have a fast pulse.
- You are breathing faster than usual.
- You are confused or feel less alert.
- You have new or worse nausea and vomiting.
- You have diarrhea.
- You have signs of infection at the access site, such as:
- Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness.
- Reddish streaks leading from the site.
- Pus draining from the site.
- A fever.
- The dialysis fluid looks cloudy or changes color.
- Fluid is not flowing through the catheter.
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