K65-K67: Diseases of peritoneum

K65: Peritonitis

Peritonitis refers to a group of conditions that cause inflammation in the lining of your abdominal cavity, known as the peritoneum. This inflammation typically occurs due to infections, often caused when bacteria or fungi enter the tissue, usually from a ruptured appendix, a stomach ulcer, or a perforated bowel. Contact with foreign bodies, like a medical device, can also lead to peritonitis. Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is a type often seen in people with ascites, a condition where fluid builds up in the abdomen, usually due to severe liver disease. Common symptoms include severe abdominal pain which may become worse when the abdomen is touched or when moving, as well as nausea, fever, and a swollen belly. If left untreated, peritonitis can progress rapidly, causing severe, life-threatening issues, such as sepsis or organ failure, due to the spread of the infection throughout the body.