The peritoneum stretches over most of the internal organs and lines the abdomen in an airtight manner. The thin skin is full of blood vessels and nerves. Inflammation of the protective peritoneum can be extremely painful. You need to watch out for these symptoms.
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Peritonitis: what is it?
Everything is in its place in our stomach. In order for the internal organs to adjust their position when there is movement in the abdomen and also to be able to move in relation to one another, a kind of lubricant is needed that ensures suppleness in the abdomen. The peritoneum (also called peritoneum ) consists of two separate membranes. The outer membrane lines the inner abdominal wall, the inner membrane spans the organs in the abdominal cavity. Both membranes produce the peritoneal fluid. This fluid acts as a lubricant in the space between the two peritoneal membranes. This enables the organs to slide smoothly along one another.
Inflammation of the peritoneum (peritonitis) can have various triggers. Bacteria are often responsible for painful peritonitis. However, peritonitis can also be triggered by physical irritation. If corrosive bile leaks out of a damaged gallbladder, the peritoneum can be affected. Peritonitis is usually very painful. If you have symptoms, see a doctor immediately . Acute peritonitis can be life-threatening . Depending on what triggers the inflammation in the body, antibiotics are used for treatment or surgery is used to repair organic damage.
4 symptoms that indicate peritonitis
1. Severe abdominal pain and fever
Our immune system reacts with fever, especially when there is a large focus of inflammation in the body. By raising the body temperature, bacteria are supposed to be killed and the infection burned out. A temperature above 38° Celsius is considered a fever. One of the most typical signs of peritonitis is certainly severe to extremely severe, extensive abdominal pain. Peritonitis in women can also be caused by bacteria such as chlamydia and gonococci. Typically, patients feel pain primarily in the lower abdomen.
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2. Hard, tense abdominal wall
The abdominal wall reacts very sensitively to pressure in the case of peritonitis. In addition, the abdominal wall hardens and sometimes becomes rock hard. Due to the inflammation in the peritoneum, touching it often leads to reflexive contractions of the abdominal muscles. Doctors then speak of a defensive tension. If you notice hardening of the abdominal wall and suffer from pain, you should definitely consult a doctor. These symptoms can also indicate acute appendicitis.
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3. Gastrointestinal complaints
Peritonitis can also be associated with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and constipation. In rare cases, a complete intestinal obstruction can occur. Depending on the type of peritonitis and the underlying cause, the symptoms can vary in severity. Specialists can draw the right conclusions if the symptoms are ambiguous, so always consult a doctor if you have the symptoms described above.
4. Loss of appetite and severe malaise
Peritonitis can vary in severity and is not always associated with clear symptoms. Especially the spontaneously occurring peritonitis does not always have to lead to severe pain and fever. Spontaneous peritonitis is a primary infection in which the inflammation originates directly in the peritoneum. More ambiguous signs are not untypical here. Those affected suffer from loss of appetite or feel weak and sick. If the peritonitis occurs as a result of a more serious inflammation in the body , experts speak of secondary peritonitis. This is often associated with severe pain and symptoms.
