Primary peritonitis is often associated with liver disease (Shutterstock)
The Professional Association of Internal Medicine Physicians in Germany has warned that peritonitis may have serious consequences that may lead to death, if it is not treated in a timely manner.
The peritoneum is smooth skin that lines the abdominal cavity. It consists of two layers: the parietal layer, which lines the abdominal wall from the inside, and the visceral layer, which covers the internal organs.
The peritoneum has several functions, the most important of which are protecting the internal organs from friction with the abdominal wall, absorbing fluids from the abdominal cavity, producing albuminous fluid that helps lubricate the internal organs and facilitate their movement, as well as transporting nutrients, oxygen, and waste to and from the internal organs.
Types of inflammation
The association explained that peritonitis is divided into two types: primary: due to bacterial infection in the abdominal cavity, and is often accompanied by liver diseases (such as cirrhosis) or kidney disorders.
Secondary peritonitis occurs due to disease of other organs in the abdomen, such as cholecystitis, diverticulitis, or appendicitis.
Symptoms of peritonitis are stiffness of the abdominal wall, abdominal pain, bloating, involuntary tightening of the abdominal muscles when touched, and sensitivity of the abdomen to touch, in addition to other symptoms such as nausea, fever, and fatigue.
The association stressed the need to consult a doctor immediately upon noticing these symptoms in order to undergo timely treatment. Because not treating the inflammation may lead to blood poisoning, which poses a threat to life, especially in the elderly (over 50 years of age), women, and cancer patients, as well as in the case of peritonitis spreading throughout the abdominal cavity.
Primary peritonitis is treated with antibiotics, while the underlying disease is treated in the case of secondary peritonitis.
Source: German