Common Causes And Risk Factors For Peritonitis

Diverticulitis

Diverticulitis is a condition in which the tiny pouches along the intestinal wall become infected. If one of the infected pouches ruptures, this could leak intestinal waste into the peritoneum, leading to peritonitis. Diverticulitis can cause severe abdominal pain, fever, and cramping on the left side of the abdomen. Patients may also have bright red blood in their stools. Doctors normally use a colonoscopy to diagnose diverticulitis, and patients who have severe cases will be given intravenous antibiotics in the hospital. To give the colon time to rest, they will also be fed through a feeding tube. Patients who have abscesses as a result of their diverticulitis may need surgery to drain these, and a temporary colostomy may be recommended to help the intestines heal.