Peritonitis is inflammation of the peritoneum, which lines the peritoneal cavity. Initially, peritonitis is localized and contained by a wrapping if greater omentum, adjacent bowel and fibrinous adhesions. With ongoing inflammation, localized peritonitis may progress to a generalized peritonitis associated with massive exudation of fluid, with resultant hypovolaemia, toxaemia and septicaemia id sepsis is present.

What is peritoneum?

The peritoneum is a thin membrane that lines the abdominal cavity. It also covers each of the organs contained within the abdomen.

The liver, stomach, and intestines are all covered with peritoneum, as are the spleen, gallbladder, pancreas, uterus, and appendix. The peritoneum is so thin that if it was separated from the organs that it covers, it would be transparent. Despite this, it is also very strong. The way it is attached inside the abdominal cavity creates various spaces where fluid could collect in the event of leaking from one of the intra-abdominal organs.

Causes of peritonitis

The inflammation is a reaction to infection (most often), injury, or irritation of the abdominal lining. It can be caused by a number of different factors involving any of the organs in the abdomen.

Risk factors involved

• Infection inside the abdomen
• Inflammation of the stomach, gallbladder, or pancreas
• Penetrating injury to the abdominal wall, such as from a knife or bullet wound.
• Peptic ulcer
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Rupture of an ectopic pregnancy
• Recent abdominal surgery
• Bowel obstruction
• Advanced liver disease
• Tuberculosis
• Hernia
• Ovarian cyst or abscess.

Sign and symptoms of peritonitis

• Pain in one area of, or all through, the abdomen, initially the pain is cramp like and later steady. Pain usually starts suddenly and becomes more severe with time.
• Chills and fever
• Shoulder pain
• Hypotension
• Rapid breathing
• Rapid heart beat
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Diagnosis of peritonitis

• Severe abdominal pain in a person with directal or rebound tenderness suggests peritonitis. Abdominal x-rays or computed tomography scan showing edematous and gaseous distension of the small and large bowel support the diagnosis.
• In the case of perforation of a visceral organ, the X-ray shows air lying under the diaphragm in the abdominal cavity. Other appropriate tests include following:
• Chest X-ray may show elevation of the diaphragm.
• Blood studies shows leukocytosis
• Paracentesis reveals bacteria, exudates, blood, pus, or urine.
• Laprotomy may be necessary to identify the underlying cause.

Homeopathic treatment of peritonitis

Homeopathy is one of the most popular holistic systems of medicine. The selection of remedy is based upon the theory of individualization and symptoms similarity by using holistic approach. This is the only way through which a state of complete health can be regained by removing all the sign and symptoms from which the patient is suffering. The aim of homeopathy is not only to treat peritonitis but to address its underlying cause and individual susceptibility. As far as therapeutic medication is concerned, several remedies are available to treat peritonitis that can be selected on the basis of cause, sensations and modalities of the complaints.  For individualized remedy selection and treatment, the patient should consult a qualified homeopathic doctor in person. There are following remedies which are helpful in the treatment of peritonitis:

Aconite – burning, cutting, darting pain in the bowels, which is aggravated from slightest pressure, motion, and lying on the right side; abdomen feels hot to touch; unquenchable thirst; taste is bitter; skin dry and hot.

Arsenic album – burning in the bowels; constant vomiting; great thirst of short intervals; complaints worse in the middle of the night; patient is anxious with cold clammy skin and sudden sinking of the strength; internal restlessness.

Belladonna – colicky pain in the bowels; painful retching and vomiting; worse from motion and contact; great congestion to the head.

Lachesis – abdomen hot and sensitive to touch; painful stiffness from the loins in to the thighs; constipation; necessity of lying on the back with drawn-up knees.

Mercurius – at the later period, when the exuded fluid becomes purulent, with frequent starts; foul smell from the mouth; vomiting of slime and slimy stools, with straining; weakness and emaciation; oedematous swelling of the feet.

Rhus Tox – pressive cutting pain in the abdomen; tongue red at the tip; great restlessness.

Lycopodium – in complication with hepatitis; when lying on the side, a feeling as if a hard body were rolling from the navel to that side; or when after three or four days the face assumes a yellowish color; marked flatulence and constipation.

Bryonia alba – stitching pain or pressing, lancinating in the bowels, worse from slightest motion; when exudation has taken place; tongue white and dry; great thirst; bowels constipated; complications with diaphragmatitis.

Opium – distension of the abdomen; antiparistaltic movements of the of the intestine; constant vomiting and belching; retention of stool and urine; complete inactivity of the lower bowels.