Peritonitis - Symptoms of peritonitis
- Introduction
- Symptoms of peritonitis
- Causes of peritonitis
- Diagnosing peritonitis
- Treating peritonitis
- Complications of peritonitis
Abdominal (tummy) pain is one of the main symptoms of peritonitis.
This usually begins as a sudden ache that progresses to a severe pain.
Other possible symptoms include:
- nausea (feeling sick)
- vomiting
- lack of appetite
- chills
- a high temperature (fever) of 38°C (100.4°F) or above
- rapid heartbeat
- not passing any urine or passing less than normal
- swelling of the abdomen
If you are being treated with peritoneal dialysis because you have kidney failure, the fluid that is passed into your collection bag will probably be cloudier than usual and it may contain white flecks or clumps.
If peritonitis is due to cirrhosis, you may not have any pain at all. You may simply feel generally unwell or develop other complications of liver disease such as increasing fluid accumulation in your abdomen or confusion.
When to get medical help
Sudden abdominal pain that gradually gets worse is usually a sign of a potentially serious infection or illness.
If you experience this type of pain, contact your GP immediately. If this is not possible, call NHS Direct on 0845 4647 or your local out-of-hours service.
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