peritonitis

INFLAMMATION of the PERITONEUM . It may be caused by a primary INEFCTION caused by BACTERIA in the bloodstream (e.g. tuberculous peritonitis), resulting in pain and swelling, fever and weight loss. Secondary infection results from entry into the abdominal cavity of bacteria (e.g. from APPENDICITIS ) and irritants (e.g. digestive juices) from a perforated or ruptured organ, e.g. duodenum or stomach. This produces severe pain and SHOCK , and surgery is often necessary.