Peritonitis - Complications of peritonitis
- Introduction
- Symptoms of peritonitis
- Causes of peritonitis
- Diagnosing peritonitis
- Treating peritonitis
- Complications of peritonitis
Serious complications of peritonitis can occur if the infection spreads to other parts of the body.
You will usually be admitted to hospital if you are diagnosed with peritonitis, so any problems can be identified and treated as quickly as possible.
Sepsis
Sepsis can occur if the infection spreads through the blood (septicaemia) and then to other organs.
If sepsis is not treated, it can progress to a more serious phase known as severe sepsis. Severe sepsis occurs when one or more organs are damaged by the infection, or when there is a significant loss of blood supply to tissues and organs.
The symptoms of sepsis usually develop quickly and include:
- a fever or high temperature over 38C (100.4F)
- chills
- a fast heartbeat
- fast breathing
Treatment for sepsis involves intravenous fluid therapy (fluids into a vein) and antibiotic injections.
If sepsis is not treated promptly, it can develop into septic shock.
Septic shock
Septic shock is a type of sepsis that causes a massive drop in blood pressure. This leads to symptoms of shock such as cold skin and an increased heartbeat.
Sepsis can interfere with many of the body’s vital processes, including blood pressure, breathing and organ function, and can result in death.
Treatment usually requires admission to an intensive care unit (ICU) where the functions of the body’s organs will be supported while the infection is treated.
© Crown Copyright 2009
