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Peritonitis - Symptom

Alternative Names

Acute abdomen

Symptoms:

Abdominal distention
Abdominal pain or tenderness
Fever
Fluid in the abdomen
Inability to pass feces or gas
Low urine output
Nausea and vomiting
Point tenderness
Thirst

Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease include:

Cloudy dialysis fluid (if undergoing peritoneal dialysis)
Nausea and vomiting
Shaking chills
Signs of shock

Signs and tests:

The doctor will perform a physical exam. The abdomen is usually tender, and may feel firm and "board-like." The patient may extensively "guard" the area, using protective movements such as curling up or refusing to allow the area to be touched.

Blood tests, x-rays, and CT scans may be ordered.

Peritoneal sample

Abdominal organs

Gastroschisis repair - series

Reviewed last on: 7/22/2008
Shimul A. Shah, MD, Assistant Professor of Surgery, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Turnage RH, Richardson KA, Li BD, McDonald JC. Abdominal Wall, Umbilicus, Peritoneum, Mesenteries, Omentum, and Retroperitoneum. In: Townsend CM, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL, eds. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 18th ed. St. Louis, Mo: WB Saunders; 2008:chap 43.

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