What is Peritonitis?
Peritonitis specifically refers to the inflammation of the peritoneum. This tissue is a delicate, continuous membrane that forms the lining of the abdominal cavity and wraps around the exterior of most internal organs. In a healthy state, the peritoneum produces a lubricating fluid that allows these organs to glide smoothly against one another. When inflammation sets in, this area can fill with fluid, pus, and cellular debris, leading to intense pain and dysfunction. The condition is broadly categorized into two main types: spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, which arises without an obvious tear or break, and secondary peritonitis, which is caused by a perforation or rupture of an abdominal organ.
Causes:The inflammation associated with peritonitis is triggered by a bacterial or fungal infection. This infection typically begins after a specific event allows microorganisms to enter the sterile peritoneal cavity.
- Organ Rupture or Perforation: A tear or hole in the wall of an abdominal organ is the most frequent cause. This allows digestive juices, stool, or bacteria to spill out from organs like the appendix, stomach, or colon directly into the abdomen.
- Contamination During Medical Procedures: Microorganisms can be introduced into the peritoneum during certain medical interventions. This can occur with the use of feeding tubes, peritoneal dialysis catheters, or as a rare complication of abdominal surgery.
- Ascites Fluid Infection: An accumulation of fluid in the abdomen, a condition known as ascites often linked to liver disease, can develop a bacterial infection on its own. This is referred to as spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP).
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): In women, an infection of the reproductive organs can sometimes spread beyond the pelvic area, leading to inflammation of the adjacent peritoneum.
Certain health conditions and medical histories can make an individual more susceptible to developing peritonitis. The following factors increase a person's vulnerability:
- Peritoneal Dialysis Treatment: People using peritoneal dialysis for kidney failure have an elevated risk. The catheter used in this procedure can create an entry point for microorganisms on the skin to access the sterile peritoneal cavity.
- Advanced Liver Disease with Ascites: Individuals with cirrhosis or other severe liver conditions often accumulate abdominal fluid (ascites). This fluid serves as a potential breeding ground for bacteria, leading to spontaneous bacterial peritonitis.
- Compromised Immune Function: A weakened immune system, resulting from conditions like HIV, cancer chemotherapy, or the use of immunosuppressive medication after an organ transplant, impairs the body's capacity to fight off infections that could trigger peritonitis.
- Inflammatory Bowel and Digestive Diseases: Those diagnosed with conditions such as Crohn's disease, diverticulitis, or severe stomach ulcers face a greater risk. These diseases can inflame and weaken organ walls, making a perforation more likely.
- History of Abdominal Trauma or Surgery: Any recent injury to the abdomen or a surgical procedure in the area can inadvertently introduce bacteria or cause damage that leads to an infection of the peritoneum.
