Final answer:
Peritonitis is the inflammation of the peritoneum, often caused by chemical leakage or bacterial infection, leading to severe symptoms such as stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting, requiring emergency medical treatment.
Step-by-step explanation:
Description of Peritonitis
Peritonitis is an inflammation of the peritoneum, the lining of the abdominal cavity. This condition can arise due to chemical or bacterial causes. Chemical peritonitis can develop when the alimentary canal wall is breached, allowing the contents of the lumen to spill into the peritoneal cavity. Common causes included perforated ulcers spilling gastric juices, or ruptures leading to hemorrhagic peritonitis, which is filled with blood.
Events that Lead to Peritonitis
More severe forms of peritonitis are associated with bacterial infections. This can occur in cases of appendicitis, colonic diverticulitis, and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). The introduction of bacteria into the peritoneal cavity can lead to a life-threatening situation, often requiring emergency surgery and intensive antibiotic treatment.
Symptoms of Peritonitis
Peritonitis can cause severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), vomiting, and in extreme cases it may lead to septicemia, shock, and death if left untreated. The outcome of peritonitis has improved with advanced medical care, though mortality rates remain significant, ranging from 30 to 40 percent.