What is Peritonitis?

The membrane linings of the walls of the abdomen and the abdominal organs are covered by a membrane called as serosal membrane or peritonium. Certain micro-organisms such as bacteria and parasites can cause inflammation (irritation) that can lead to a condition known as peritonitis.  This infection can cause trauma to the lining, bleeding and diseases.

There are two types of peritonitis:

1. Primary peritonitis also known as spontaneous peritonitis – this occurs when there is infection in the body fluids that is blood and lymph. These in turn can cause infection of the peritoneum.
2. Secondary peritonitis- this is infection from bacteria. The secondary form is more common than the primary form.

Causes of Peritonitis

As mentioned above, it is mainly caused due to bacterial infection. However, certain risk factors can increase the risk for peritonitis. They are:

• Cirrhosis (liver disease), kidney damage, pelvic inflammation, fluid in the abdomen and a weak immune system can cause primary peritonitis.
• Stomach ulcers, damaged intestines or pancreas, appendicitis and IBD (inflammatory bowel disease) can lead to secondary peritonitis.
• Untreated ulcer, perforated bowel, inflammation of the fall bladder, inflammation of the fallopian tube and inflammation of pancreas.

Signs and Symptoms

1. Abdominal pain and tenderness- There is severe pain in the abdomen during peritonitis. This is one of the earliest signs and it can range from dull aches to severe and sharp pains.
2. The person may also suffer from fever with chills, as is the case with most infections.
3. The pain in the abdomen aggravates on full stomach. Due to this, the person may suffer from loss of appetite.
4. Thirst- Increase desire to drink water, which is mostly vomited out.
5. Urine output decreases with deep yellow coloration of urine.
6. As the person is not drinking enough water, his thirst level also decreases.
7. There is constant nausea with vomiting
8. The person may suffer from constant constipation to the extent that he may even have difficulty in passing gas.

Natural treatment for peritonitis

Taking antibiotics and other drugs can decrease the immunity and also make the body more susceptible for further infections. It is a serious condition and may also need surgical intervention along with expensive medications. If detected at an early stage, they can help decrease the chances of surgeries.

• Fiber- The early stage of peritonitis is known as diverticular disease. At this stage, if the person increases the intake of fiber, the disease can be controlled. They can have 15 g of fiber daily. This will help to fight constipation and decrease the excess pressure inside the colons, as the pressure leads to peritonitis and diverticulitis.  Psyllium powder, flaxseed meal and legume are some of the best options.
• No seeds- Avoid intake of seedy foods such as cucumber, strawberries, kiwi fruits, peppers as they can irritate the stomach linings and block the oopeining to diverticulum.
• Increase the intake of glutamine either in natural form or as supplements.
• Have food items that are rich in Omega- 3 fatty acids.

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