The peritoneum protects the organs within your abdomen, such as your liver, stomach, and intestines.
Abdominal pain or tendernessBloating or feeling fullFeverNausea and vomitingLoss of appetiteDiarrheaInability to pass stool or gasLow urine outputThirstFatigueChillsJoint painDizziness or weakness
Peritoneal dialysis, a procedure that helps remove waste from your body if your kidneys aren’t functioning correctly, is a common cause of peritonitis. In that case, you may also experience the following symptoms:
Cloudy dialysis fluidWhite flecks, strands, or clumps (fibrin) in the dialysis fluid
Premature babies with necrotizing enterocolitis (underdeveloped organs) are at an increased risk of peritonitis. They may show the following signs and symptoms, which usually develop in the first two weeks after birth:
Bloating or swelling in the abdomenNot feeding wellFrequent vomiting that might be greenishBloody stool, constipation, or diarrheaA redness or abnormal color to the abdomenLack of energyFeverLow or unstable body temperature, slowed heart rate, or low blood pressurePauses in breathing (apnea)
The fluid buildup tends to occur with advanced liver or kidney disease, and in people who are on peritoneal dialysis for kidney failure. It can also be due to inflammation, infection, or injury of the intestines. Secondary peritonitis occurs due to another condition in the body, such as an infection that spreads from the digestive tract caused by a ruptured appendix, a stomach ulcer, diverticulitis, or a perforated colon. Injuries like gunshot or knife wounds can also bring about the infection, as well as the use of dialysis catheters or feeding tubes. If your doctor needs further confirmation or if the infection may be a result of other medical conditions, your doctor will most likely perform a physical exam of your abdomen to feel if it is unusually tender or firm. Your healthcare provider may also conduct one or more of these tests: Peritoneal fluid analysis is done by using a thin needle to take a sample of the fluid in your peritoneum. An elevated white blood cell count in the fluid may indicate an infection or inflammation, and a culture of the fluid may also indicate if bacteria are present. Blood tests can also reveal if you have a high white blood cell count, and a blood culture can determine if there are bacteria in your blood. Treatment may include antibiotics to help fight the infection and keep it from spreading. Other treatments, such as pain medications, intravenous (IV) fluids, supplemental oxygen, and a blood transfusion may be used if you are hospitalized for peritonitis. If you are on peritoneal dialysis, you may need to receive dialysis in another way until your body heals from the infection.
Prevention of Peritonitis
When peritonitis is associated with peritoneal dialysis, it is often caused by germs around the catheter that is used to remove waste from the body. If you’re receiving peritoneal dialysis, there are steps you can take to prevent peritonitis. These include:
Frequent hand washing, especially before touching the catheterCleansing skin around the catheter daily with an antisepticWearing a surgical mask when dialysis fluids are exchangedStoring supplies in a sanitary area
Still, a 2014 paper published in the journal Peritoneal Dialysis International suggests the rate of peritonitis associated with peritoneal dialysis has declined over the past few decades. According to the researchers, incidence of peritonitis in this patient population in the United States in the 1980s and early 1990s averaged 1.1 to 1.3 episodes per year of treatment. After the year 2000, many centers have reported 0.2 to 0.6 episodes per year of treatment. NFK is a nonprofit organization dedicated to scientific research and innovation, as well as educating the public and advocating for all people with kidney disease. Get essential facts about peritonitis and find ways to get involved by volunteering or joining events to raise awareness and fundraise to fight kidney disease. Mayo Clinic The Mayo Clinic provides everything you need to know about causes, symptoms, treatment, and prevention of peritonitis.
Favorite Online Support Group
Renal Support Network (RSN) RSN offers monthly virtual support group meetings via Zoom at no charge to people living with kidney disease and their families. Topics include diet, exercise, hobbies, and more. The organization also offers annual patient education meetings free of charge.
Favorite Resource for Becoming an Advocate
Dialysis Patient Citizens (DPC) This nationwide, nonprofit organization is led by patients and provides a number of resources for dialysis and predialysis patients and their families. With DPC’s help you can volunteer to become a patient ambassador and represent the organization in your local community. DCP provides monthly newsletters, as well as multiple teleconference calls per year, with instructions for ways you can take action. This can range from writing a letter to inviting a local member of Congress to your facility. Additional reporting by Ashley Welch.
