Peritonitis is an extremely serious condition due to infection within the abdomen itself. As mentioned above, it may come from acute appendicitis, a ruptured appendix, or a perforated peptic ulcer. It may also follow ulcerative colitis, pancreatitis, and typhoid fever gonorrhea involving the female genital tract may also produced peritonitis, Any foreign body penetrating the abdominal wall, such as a bullet or knife, may result in peritonitis.

Because of the inflammation, loops of bowel may become glued together forming trouble some adhesion. During the acute stage the patient lies quietly with shallow breathing, for any movement increases the pain. He tends to draw up his legs and hunch his shoulders. He has a high fever and serves pain. As the condition progresses, intestinal obstruction may result.

Peritonitis Treatment:
All patients with acute peritonitis should be treated in hospital the condition is far too serious to consider any form of home treatment, particularly during the acute stage. The patient should take nothing by mouth.  Keep him lying quietly in bed until the doctor comes. Surgery may be needed to drain an abscess or to relieve intestinal obstruction. Most cases of peritonitis can be treated without surgery, unless there is obstruction of the bowl.

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