40. What is peritonitis? Describe its clinical manifestations. How to manage this pathology?

Peritonitis is an inflammation of the peritoneum, the thin membrane that lines the abdominal wall

and covers the organs. Peritonitis is caused by bacterial and fungi infections. There are two types of

peritonitis : primary and secondary. Primary is caused by the spread of the infection from the blood

and lymph nodes. The secondary is the most common and caused by the spread of the infection from

the gastrointestinal tract and biliary tract.

The symptoms and signs include swelling and tenderness in the abdomen with pain ranging from dull

to sever and sharp; fever and chills, loss of appetite, thirst, nausea and vomiting, limited urine output

(production), inability to pass stool, Hippocratic facies.

Peritonitis is treated surgically by removing the source of infection. Antibiotics are injected and

follow supportive therapy.