Peritonitis means that the peritoneum is inflamed. More commonly, infection spreads to the peritoneal space from your biliary or gastrointestinal tract. This is called secondary peritonitis. Peritonitis can be dangerous, causing sepsis and lung infections. Sepsis is an infection in the body caused by a reaction to bacteria that are present. Large amounts of fluid may be removed to ease discomfort.
In order to treat peritonitis, the underlying cause needs to be determined. A peritoneal fluid culture can help make a diagnosis. If necessary, the area will be shaved prior to the insertion of the needle.
A spot on your lower abdomen will be cleaned with an antiseptic, and you will receive local anesthesia to numb the area. A needle will be inserted 1 to 2 inches into your abdominal cavity. A small incision may be necessary if there is difficulty inserting the needle. Fluid is removed through a syringe. During the procedure, you might feel pressure. If a lot of fluid is being removed, dizziness or lightheadedness is not uncommon. If you feel discomfort or dizziness, tell your doctor.
The bowel, bladder, or an abdominal blood vessel can also be punctured, but this is rare. Abnormal results might show:. Once your doctor gets the results, they can start treating the underlying condition. In some cases, additional follow-up tests may be needed. Peritonitis is the inflammation of a thin layer of tissue inside the abdomen, caused by bacteria or fungus.
Get the facts on this medical emergency. Rebound tenderness refers to pain or discomfort after pressing on your abdomen.
This is a life-threatening infection that must be treated with antibiotics. There is a small risk of the needle puncturing the bowel, bladder, or a blood vessel in the abdomen. This may result in bowel perforation , bleeding, and infection. The peritoneal fluid culture may be negative, even if you have peritonitis. The diagnosis of peritonitis is based on other factors, in addition to the culture.
Peritonitis and intraperitoneal abscesses. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; chap Ascites and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. Reviewed by: Michael M. Editorial team. Peritoneal fluid culture Culture - peritoneal fluid. However, many other disorders can cause ascites as well, including cancer, heart failure, kidney failure, inflammation of the pancreas pancreatitis , and tuberculosis affecting the lining of the abdomen.
When the condition is mild, there may be no noticeable symptoms. However, when moderate amounts of fluid are present in the abdomen, a person may notice his or her waist size has increased and he or she may have gained weight.
Larger amounts cause even more symptoms, including swelling of the abdomen and discomfort. In these patients, the abdomen may feel tight and stretched, as in a pregnancy, and the bellybutton may begin to protrude. When ascites reaches an advanced level, swelling in the abdomen puts pressure on the stomach, which can lead to appetite loss, as well as the lungs, which can lead to shortness of breath. Some patients notice swelling in other areas of the body as well, such as the ankles.
A complication of ascites, bacterial peritonitis, is an infection that can cause abdominal discomfort and tenderness as well as fever and malaise. Confusion, disorientation, and drowsiness can develop and, if untreated, this condition can be fatal. Usually, a history and physical performed by your healthcare provider will be enough to raise suspicion of ascites. To confirm the diagnosis, an ultrasound or CT scan may be ordered.
And a small sample of ascitic fluid can be analyzed by withdrawing it through a needle inserted into the wall of the abdomen. This procedure is called diagnostic paracentesis. Treating ascites begins with a diet low in sodium and bed rest.
When those strategies are not sufficient, a healthcare provider may prescribe the use of diuretics to help the kidneys excrete more sodium and water into the urine. For patients who experience significant discomfort or those who cannot breathe or eat without difficulty, fluid may be removed through a procedure called therapeutic paracentesis, in which a needle is inserted into the abdomen.
In rare cases, surgery is performed to reroute blood flow using a shunt and, in the rarest cases, liver transplantation is necessary. Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life.
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