You might think it's just a bad case of gas or food poisoning. But what if that sharp, unrelenting stomach pain is actually a silent emergency developing inside your body?

Peritonitis is a serious, potentially life-threatening inflammation of the peritoneum—the thin tissue lining the inner wall of the abdomen and covering the abdominal organs. And often, its first symptom is pain you might ignore.

This blog will show you how to identify the signs, understand the causes, and seek the right emergency treatment before it’s too late.

If you're suffering from unexplained, severe abdominal pain, don’t wait—consult Dr. Santhosh R, a leading gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary surgeon known for expert peritonitis care.

What Is Peritonitis?

Peritonitis is inflammation of the peritoneum, usually caused by a bacterial or fungal infection. It can develop suddenly (acute) or gradually (chronic) and may affect people after abdominal injuries, surgeries, or ruptured organs like the appendix or intestines.

Why it’s dangerous:

The infection can quickly spread into the bloodstream, leading to sepsis—a life-threatening response that can damage organs and be fatal without urgent treatment.

Causes of Peritonitis: What Triggers This Dangerous Condition?

There are two main types of peritonitis:

1. Primary Peritonitis (Spontaneous)

This occurs without an obvious source of infection, most commonly in people with liver disease and fluid buildup in the abdomen (ascites).

2. Secondary Peritonitis

More common and typically caused by another condition such as:

• A ruptured appendix
• Perforated stomach ulcer
• Diverticulitis rupture
• Bowel obstruction or injury
• Pancreatitis complications
• Trauma to the abdomen
• Leaking from surgical wounds or feeding tubes

When left untreated, any of these conditions can spill bacteria or harmful substances into the abdominal cavity—triggering peritonitis.

Recognising the Symptoms: When Should You Worry?

Peritonitis symptoms often begin suddenly and worsen quickly. Don’t ignore these red flags:

• Severe abdominal pain or tenderness
• Abdomen that feels hard or swollen
• Fever and chills
• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue or confusion (especially in older adults)
• Inability to pass gas or stool
• Rapid heartbeat or shallow breathing

If you notice a combination of these signs, it’s a medical emergency. Head to the hospital or call your gastroenterologist immediately.

Why You Need Emergency Treatment for Peritonitis

Peritonitis doesn’t go away on its own. Without immediate medical treatment, the infection can spread, leading to:

• Sepsis
• Organ failure
• Abscess formation
• Long-term damage to abdominal organs

Dr. Santhosh R, a renowned gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary surgeon in Bangalore, specialises in prompt diagnosis and advanced treatment of peritonitis, ensuring timely intervention and faster recovery.

Diagnosis: How Doctors Confirm Peritonitis

When peritonitis is suspected, a quick and accurate diagnosis is critical. Dr. Santhosh R may recommend:

• Physical examination to check for tenderness or rigidity
• Blood tests to detect infection or sepsis
• Imaging (ultrasound or CT scan) to spot inflammation, fluid, or perforations
• Peritoneal fluid analysis (if ascites is present)

Treatment: What to Expect During Emergency Care

1. Hospitalisation

Peritonitis requires immediate admission to monitor your vitals and start treatment.

2. IV Antibiotics or Antifungals

Powerful drugs are given to eliminate infection quickly and prevent sepsis.

3. Surgery (Laparotomy or Laparoscopy)

If caused by a ruptured organ or injury, emergency surgery is often needed to:

• Remove infected tissue
• Repair the source of infection (e.g., perforated bowel)
• Drain pus or abscesses

Dr. Santhosh R performs minimally invasive and robotic surgeries to manage peritonitis with less pain, faster healing and lower complication risks.

Recovery: What Happens After Treatment?

Recovery depends on the cause, treatment method, and how quickly treatment was received.

Recovery Tips

• Take all prescribed medications
• Rest adequately and avoid strenuous activity
• Monitor for signs of infection returning
• Follow up regularly with your surgeon or gastroenterologist

Some patients may require dietary changes or lifestyle adjustments during healing.

Prevention: Can You Avoid Peritonitis?

While not all cases are preventable, you can reduce your risk by:

• Treating chronic digestive conditions early
• Avoiding self-medication with painkillers
• Managing liver disease and ascites under medical supervision
• Following all post-surgical instructions carefully
• Seeking immediate help for abdominal pain that doesn't go away

FAQs About Peritonitis

Q1. Is peritonitis always caused by infection?
Mostly, yes—it’s often due to bacterial or fungal infections, though in rare cases, it may be caused by chemical irritation from things like bile or gastric acid leaks.

Q2. How quickly does peritonitis become dangerous?
Very fast. Within hours, it can escalate into sepsis. Immediate medical care is vital.

Q3. Can you recover fully from peritonitis?
Yes, with timely diagnosis and proper treatment, most people recover fully. Delay, however, increases the risk of complications.

Q4. Is surgery always required?
Not always. Primary peritonitis can sometimes be treated with antibiotics alone. Secondary peritonitis usually requires surgery.

Q5. How can I find the right doctor for peritonitis in Bangalore?
Consult Dr. Santhosh R, an experienced gastroenterologist and HPB surgeon in Bangalore, known for successful outcomes in peritonitis and other abdominal emergencies.

Don’t Wait—That Pain Could Be Peritonitis!

Abdominal pain is never something to ignore—especially if it worsens or comes with fever, vomiting, or swelling. Peritonitis is a real emergency, but the good news is that with early action, it is treatable.

Book your consultation with Dr. Santhosh R, a trusted expert in peritonitis, GI and hepatobiliary surgery in Bangalore.