Peritonitis

Peritonitis, inflammation of the peritoneum (abdominal lining), usually caused by bacterial infection or chemical irritation of peritoneum when internal organs become diseased (as with appendicitis) or when gastrointestinal tract contents escape (as with a perforated peptic ulcer). Characteristic pain, sometimes with shock, fever, and temporary cessation of bowel activity, is common. Urgent treatment of the cause is required, often with surgery; antibiotics may also be needed.